Norwich has been approved as an England Talent Pathway for Rowing, with continued funding from Sport England over the next four year cycle.

The last cycle has boosted local talent to the top, producing numerous national medallists, two athletes competing for England at the Home international regatta and a world silver medallist at junior and under 23 age group.

Most recent joiners to the talent pathway are UEA athletes Josh Davies and Theo Hill who finished second and fifth at the British Rowing Sculling festival in U23 and beginner categories respectively.

The Norwich centre is based at Whitlingham boathouse, near Trowse just south of the city, in collaboration with Norwich Rowing Club, Norwich High School for girls, and University of East Anglia.

British Rowing talent development coach for Norwich, Katy Knowles, is on the hunt for a new round of athletes to pursue the sport to the highest level. No rowing experience is necessary to apply for the programme.

Applicants do need to be tall, as long levers are an advantage in rowing to propel the boat a long way each stroke. The average height of successful rowers at the Olympics is between 190cm and 196cm for males and 180cm to 185cm for females. Applicants also need to be between 14-22 for females or 14-20 for males to be considered.

Sir David Tanner, British Rowing's Performance Director, said: 'World Class Start plays such an important role in discovering future Olympic rowers. As part of the programme you'll have access to one-to-one coaching, attend training camps and meet other athletes who dream of winning Olympic gold. Great Britain has a strong tradition of developing world-class rowers and with Start's help you could be on the podium at the 2024 Olympic Games.'

Those interested in World Class Start can sign up for testing by completing the application form at britishrowing.orgapplication-for-start-testing

To find out more about British Rowing World Class Start britishrowing.orggb-rowing-teamrowing-for-gbworld-class-start