They are a real inspiration

BANN Rowing Club coach Seamus Reynolds says our three olympians are a real inspiration to young rowers.

Seamus, who coached Peter Chambers through the ranks at the club, told Times Sport he expects the conveyor belt of talent to keep running for a while yet.

“There’s no doubt about it the lads have helped inspire a lot of kids get involved in the sport,” said Seamus.

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“The profile of rowing has definitely been raised over the last decade with the local guys going to the Olympics, and we have definitely benefited from it.

“We are now seeing another crop of talented young rowers coming through. We had an amazing result at the Irish Senior Championships there as Chris Black and Joel Cassells became the first junior to ever win a senior title outright.

“It is a fantastic achievement for them and I know they have been inspire but what Alan, Richard and Peter have done.

“They have a big future in the sport and hopefully they can push on to the next level.”

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Seamus knows it takes a lot of hard work and effort to reach the top of the sport just like Peter Chambers has done.

“Peter’s rise to the top of the sport has been immense,” he said.

“I remember him going out to Beijing four years ago to cheer on Richard and I know that helped inspire him to push on.

“I know he drew a lot of support from his brother who helped guide him as lightweight rowing is a very tough discipline.

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“But even going back to those early days at Bann he was very determined, however I always told him how important it was to take one step at a time.”

Seamus admits it will be a fantastic occassion for not only Bann RC but for Coleraine if the boys manage to bring a medal back home.

“To win an Olympic medal would be absolutely amazing for them,” he said.

“It would be fantastic for the town and it would cap off a marvellous summer.

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“They are all great guys who always give the club their support. Peter was even texting me to see how the lads got on at the Irish Championships even though he was in preparations for London.

“They know they have a huge amount of support here on the Bann who will be cheering them on all the way.”