Issue 101 - August 1997

Bring out your talents

One of the key elements of the British International Rowing Office's future strategy is the development of a 'pathway to success' for young and new athletes so that they have a successful transition from junior or club level performance to senior international level, including under-23s. Traditionally, athletes come to the attention of BIRO via the junior scheme or through senior/U23 trials. Although the invitation to initial trials is open, athletes who have yet to develop the skills and physiology are unlikely to be successful at these trials. Equally so, athletes who have rowed at junior international level who then go on to attend institutions or clubs without the necessary infrastructure are often 'lost' to the sport. BIRO recognises the need to identify and include these athletes.

As part of this process it has appointed two high performance coaches with initial responsibility for new talent. Martin McElroy, previously a coach with Imperial College BC, will take responsibility for men's development, and Louise Kingsley who has worked with Kingston Grammar School BC and the junior squad for many years will be responsible for women's development. BIRO recognises the need to identify and include these athletes. As part of this process it has appointed two high performance coaches with initial responsibility for new talent. Martin McElroy, previously a coach with Imperial College BC, will take responsibility for men's development, and Louise Kingsley who has worked with Kingston Grammar School BC and the junior squad for many years will be responsible for women's development.BIRO wishes to provide an early opportunity to identify new talent, so that contact and support may be offered to those athletes and clubs. David Tanner, the International Manager, said: 'We feel it important to provide this opportunity outside the traditional trials system. Consequently BIRO will run a regatta and training weekend on October 18 and 19 in Peterborough.'

As most clubs will have just resumed training and be preparing for the Fours Head, the weekend will commence with racing in club based units of fours (4+, 4-, 4x). Potential candidates unable to race in fours may attend in small boats. After initial racing over 1000m, the remainder of the weekend will consist of training, coaching and video sessions.

© Copyright Regatta Magazine, 1997.