Rowing favourite Aggar ready to do the job
4 September 2008by Paul Rushton
The listing was posted by WheelPower - British Wheelchair Sport - News
Rowing makes its debut as a Paralympic sport in Beijing and Britain’s Tom Aggar is “ready to go out there and do the job”.
Twenty-three year-old Aggar from London competes in the men’s arms only single scull and is the current World Champion and world record holder. Following the 2007 World Championships, he went on to win gold at the Varese International Regatta where he beat his own world record. He beat it again with another gold at the World Cup earlier this year.
Despite being the best in class for the last 18 months, Aggar is not complacent and admits that there are still rivals to be faced. He cites Australian rower Dominic Moneypenny as a key man to beat.
“He is looking to retire after this year and has been keeping a low profile, not racing that much so I think he will be one to watch,” said Aggar, who is feeling well prepared and ready to face the challenge.
“This is the first year that rowing has featured in the Paralymic Games but there is a great set up,” he said. “I had a really good preparation last year and I’m looking forward to getting out there, competing and seeing the results of all the hard work we have put in.”
Britain’s rowers have now been in Beijing for a few days and have had a chance to visit the Shunyi Rowing Park venue.
“The first day we were here we relaxed but the last few days we have been to the course to familiarise with it and get used to the landmarks,” he said. “My first impression is that it is quite similar to Eton, it’s a very impressive venue.”
Aggar admitted to “nervous excitement”, but added “I’m ready to go out there and do the job.”
Paralympics GB has eight rowers in total, competing in four different boats. Helene Raynsford will compete in the women’s arm’s only single scull (AW1x) and is joined by a mixed coxed four (LTAMix4+) made up of Victoria Hansford, Noami Riches, Alastair McKean and James Morgan.
The squad is completed by the mixed double scull (TAMix2x) made up of Karen Crombie and James Roberts.
Heats for all the Paralympics GB rowers get underway on Tuesday 9 September.