Emily Webb • MAY 20, 2016

We talked to Welsh Rowing’s Liz Lewis, Lead Coach of the Welsh Rowing Academy and Lead Para Coach… to find out what it takes to join their crew on the road to Rio…

How do you recruit for your Academy squad?
‘We’re currently targeting schools throughout Wales, and have just finished our #This Girls Rows’, all All Girl programme. Recently, we’ve been in amongst the crowd at the Millennium Stadium on the lookout for potential stars. From there, we talent spot, vigorously test and if successful, fast track into our academy.’

What are you looking for in high performers?
‘Firstly anthropometrics! Initially we are looking for height and a wide arm span, we’ll then test their strength and endurance.'

So, if an athlete gets this far, what next?
‘For the hundreds we identify and test, a small number will join our Academy programme. There is then a 3-month trial period, sometimes we are developing for the very best talent in Wales aged from 14 upwards to get selected for GB Junior, U23 and Senior.’

Are you still feeling the waves from London 2012?
‘Ohh the impact was massive – we were inundated, it was brilliant! We’re talking to clubs already, ahead of Rio and getting dates in the diary post Rio to test incoming athletes.

Rowing has great opportunities for Para athletes; if you find the right person, you suddenly have a superstar quite quickly. John Prosser, a raising star was spotted at the Wheelchair Sports Spectacular in Cardiff, he competed and medalled in the Welsh then British, Indoor Rowing Championships, has trialled for and then competed in the Invictus Games, winning an amazing gold and silver medal. Will Rio have the same impact as the home Olympics? We'll see!…’

If you are over 178cm (for women) and 188cm (for men), and between 14-20/22yrs old, Welsh Rowing are looking for you! Please see WelshRowing.com for details of forthcoming testing opportunities.

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