The squad will be training at Twickenham Rowing Club on a demanding training programme almost daily, and their presence will be a welcome addition to the Club.
Dan Cooper will be commencing testing for more athletes in the next couple of months. Below are the guidelines from British Rowing for the Start Programme recuitment:
Talent Identification In sport there are certain body types that favour different activities. In rowing the methods of moving the boat favours the use of long levers of arms and legs to obtain maximum propulsion. This is why many of the most successful rowers are tall and this is a particular attribute that Start is looking for as well as a combination of strength and endurance for the 6-7minute event. Their minimum testing criteria is:
• Anthropometric Tests: height, weight and armspan measurements.
• Strength Tests: we use a Concept II Dyno to measure leg press, arm press and arm pull to produce an overall picture of general body strength.
• Endurance Tests: using arm leg bicycles, the test is conducted by increasing the tempo each minute until the person cannot maintain the set tempo. Tests involve some upper bodywork which is important for rowing.
The right physical characteristics are of course not the only factor that is needed to achieve that ultimate prize of an Olympic gold medal. You also need commitment, the ability to train hard and the right mental attitude. Even with all the physical capabilities described above if you don’t make the full commitment to training and make sacrifices where necessary then even the most talented person will not make it.
To register your interest in the Start Programme please click here or contact start@gbrowingteam.org.uk