ROBERTS IN BEIJING ROWING SQUAD
James Roberts, originally from Prestatyn, Denbighshire and now studying in Swansea has been selected for the Paralympics GB Rowing Squad to compete at the Paralympic Games in Beijing this September.
Roberts and former wheelchair basketball player Karen Cromie carry British hopes in the double scull.
Gerwyn Owen, FDSW Academy Manager said:‘James has been supported through the Academy and development programmes over the last few years, firstly in Swimming before he transferred into Rowing recently. Such is his dedication to the sport that he recently put his studies on hold in Swansea and moved full-time to Caversham, British Rowing’s base, to work full-time with his sculls partner, Karen Cromie. This training has paid dividends as they’ve knocked seconds off their best times. Hopefully they continue that way until September, and will be serious contenders for a medal’.
Roberts forms part of an eight-strong squad who will represent Great Britain in the inaugural rowing competition at the Beijing Paralympics.
Reigning world champion Tom Aggar will be competing in the men’s arms only single sculls event.
Helene Raynsford, who won the world title in 2006 before missing out last year, will take part in the women’s equivalent.
The mixed coxed four won three world golds but finished second at the 2007 World Championships.
Naomi Riches, who has competed at four world championships, is joined by Vicki Hansford, Alastair McKean and newcomer James Morgan, with able-bodied cox Alan Sherman completing the crew.
ParalympicsGB Chief Executive Phil Lane said: “It’s fantastic to see rowing making its debut at the Paralympic Games.
“Britain has traditionally been a strong nation in rowing at the Olympics and I look forward to seeing the Paralympic rowers continue their success in this sport.”
The rowing events take place at the Shunyi Olympic Rowing Park from 9-11 September.
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GB team
Men’s arms only single scull: Tom Aggar
Women’s arms only single scull: Helene Raynsford
Legs, trunk and arms mixed coxed four: Vicki Hansford, Alastair McKean, James Morgan, Naomi Riches. Cox: Alan Sherman
Trunk and arms mixed double scull: Karen Cromie, James Roberts
