Rower Ben gets Olympic fund lift (From Swindon Advertiser)

Rower Ben gets Olympic fund lift

11:10am Saturday 4th October 2008 in

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CIRCENCESTER rising rowing star Ben Bathurst insists his selection for the Lloyds TSB Local Heroes scheme is already enhancing his dream of repeating the Olympic heroics of the victorious coxless fours in Beijing.

The 18-year-old is one of 250 emerging Brits that will receive £1,000 each year in the run up to London 2012– plugging a financial gap as Bathurst is yet to achieve World Class lottery funding.

Bathurst will also benefit from the knowhow of Lloyds TSB local hero mentors including former Olympic triple-jump champion Jonathan Edwards, while he has already put the cash to good use investing in some state-of-the-art equipment and funding his expensive travel.

And after watching GB’s flagship crew claim gold in Beijing as Team GB finished fourth on the medal table with 19 golds, their most successful Games in a century the former Eton College pupil is already aiming to follow in their footsteps.

“The funding has been a huge help to me,” he said. “I’ve just moved to university and I can use all the help I can get.

“I’ve been able to get some more equipment with the funding it comes in pretty handy with buying food because I tend to eat more than most people!

“It’s been a few years for me recently. I got a bronze medal at the 2007 Coup de la Jeunesse in the men’s eight which was a real achievement for me.

“I’ve been to the World Junior Championships as well and having tasted international rowing it’s definitely something I want to continue.

“I’d love to go to London 2012. I know it would be a huge amount of work but if I take it one step at a time it’s a possibility.”

Bathurst – who has just arrived at Bristol University – has already underlined his potential, reaching the final of the Princess Elizabeth Cup at Henley Royal Regatta in June.

And former Olympic and World champion Edwards, who still holds the triple jump world record, is predicting a golden future for Bathurst. “There is a lot of money in sport now through the lottery but Ben is not quite good enough just yet to take advantage,” said Edwards.

“He still makes a huge commitment in time and money in order to do what he does and he doesn’t get a lot back. This relieves a bit of pressure and gives him a boost.

“Sport can be lonely so when someone comes along and believes in you enough to give you £1,000 it makes you realise you will make it after all.”

Lloyds TSB is providing up to £1,000 to 250 emerging young sportspeople identified each year across Britain, in the run up to London 2012 and beyond. Visit www.Lloydstsb.com/Localheroes