World Champion Katherine Grainger and Olympic gold medallists Mark Hunter and Greg Searle are giving the public a rare insight into the rigours of selection for the GB Rowing Team this year by inviting them to take their own trial on a rowing machine.

Throughout February the team is running The Nation on Trial Initiative and is challenging everyone to get fit in the build up to the GB Rowing Team Senior Trials by getting taking their own 2km trial to mark a big year for British sport while also raising money for The Stroke Association.

2km is the distance GB’s top stars will race on the water at the Olympic Games this summer but for anyone aspiring to join the GB team the year-long selection process begins with a 2km test on a rowing machine and this is the public’s chance to have a go and win behind-the-scenes-prizes simply by taking part.

The challenge is simply this, participants train and build up to rowing the 2km as fast as they can on a rowing machine at a local gym or rowing club, getting fit in the process and reducing their risk of having a stroke by taking regular exercise.

The times for those aged 16-24 will also be assessed to see if anyone has the talent to be considered for the opportunity to train to be a member of the GB Rowing Team.

Who knows, the event could throw up a new generation of rowers destined for the GB Rowing Team as well as providing the nation to keep with an opportunity to keep up their New Year’s get-fit resolutions.

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