ROWI NG: Redgrave praises 'strong' GB team

FIVE-TIME Olympic gold medallist Sir Steve Redgrave has praised the strength of the Great Britain rowing squad ahead of the World Rowing Championships.

By The Newsroom

Published 17th Sep 2010, 11:44 BST

Updated 22nd Sep 2010, 15:17 BST

The British squad, who are based in Berkshire, will compete at the event in New Zealand next month.

"We are sending a very strong team," Redgrave told BBC Radio Berkshire.

"The last international regatta we had our best results ever and a number of the Beijing athletes who have taken a year out are now returning."

The squad will be officially unveiled today (Tuesday) with several local rowers hoping to be included.

Redgrave said that next year's World Championships will be even more crucial, as this is where the qualification for London 2012 takes place.

He added: "Next year is about getting the boats qualified for the Olympics. This is a very big stepping stone towards that."

Great Britain New Zealand