Olympic rower inspiring next generation

The head coach of a rowing club has said the success of a local athlete at the Paris Olympics has already boosted interest in the sport.

Bronze medal winner Lauren Irwin, from Peterlee in County Durham, met young hopefuls at Lambton Rowing Club in Chester-le-Street on Tuesday.

Steve Thompson, who had previously trained Irwin at junior levels, said the star's visit had been a massive inspiration.

"On the TV she seems like a celebrity, but meeting her in real life I think many of the kids in the club will think 'I can do that too'," he said.

Irwin won bronze as part of the women's eight in Paris.

Mr Thompson said there had been a real boost in interest about joining the club since her success.

"We had two people join us on Tuesday who were rowing for the first time when Lauren came," he said.

Meanwhile, children at the club got to quiz the star about the work involved in reaching the top, including an in-depth discussion about how the athlete prepared for the gruelling 2000m row test.

Mr Thompson said he was optimistic for the future of rowing in north-east England, with visits from successful athletes helping local children see a path to the highest levels of the sport.

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