A step toward rowing success at the next Olympic Games begins this weekend (Sept. 26 to 28) in London, Ontario. The Doug Wells Rowing Centre at Fanshawe Lake will be the site of the 2008 National Rowing Championships (NRC) showcasing experienced rowers and up and comers on the National and Provincial rowing scenes.

Fanshawe Lake, London, ON

"London is proud to host the National Rowing Championships for the first time. It is especially exciting to begin a new Olympic cycle here leading up to London, England, in 2012," said regatta chair Dr. Michael Murphy. "We have an experienced team of volunteers and coaches in this city who are looking forward to a great weekend of racing."

Most of the recent Beijing competitors are taking some well-deserved time off from rowing, however, among the noteworthy NRC entrants are Olympians Ashley Brzozowicz (fourth, women's eight) and Sarah Bonikowsky (fourth, women's eight) entered in the women's pair event. 2008 World Champion in the men's coxed pair, Gabe Bergen, will compete in the men's single. 2008 World Cup gold medalist Lindsay Jennerich is part of the lightweight women's contingent. The field is rounded out with a mix of veteran athletes and up and comers who are hoping to show their talent to the national and provincial coaches.

Prize money totaling $20,000 will be handed to the senior heavy- and lightweight athletes in the small-boat categories. Nearly 200 rowers from across the country are entered.

"As we start of the London 2012 quadrennial, it is important to identify new talent - athletes who can help continue on the successes we enjoyed in Beijing," said Rowing Canada Aviron's VP High Performance, Phil Monckton. "The NRCs are an excellent opportunity for our coaches to identify these athletes."

Racing begins Friday, September 26, and the small boat finals in the senior, junior and under-23 categories will be held on Saturday.

Also for the first time, the NRC will include events for Canada Games' provincial crews and larger boats, such as quads and eights with these finals to be held on Sunday morning.

Schedules and results will be posted at on this site.

Directions to Fanshawe Lake and details about the host of the 2008 NRC, the London Rowing Society, can be found at http://publish.uwo.ca/~mmurphy4/