Whitlam sets target to shine in Munich (From Warrington Guardian)

Warrington's Olympic rower hoping to impress selectors at World Cup

8:00am Friday 15th June 2012 in Sport Exclusive By Andrew Simpson

WARRINGTON rower Olivia Whitlam is out to impress Team GB selectors at this weekend’s final World Cup regatta in Germany.

She is one of 10 names, plus a cox, fighting for a place in the women’s eight at this summer’s Olympic Games in London, so is determined to show strongly at Munich.

“It’s tough because our position is more uncertain,” said Whitlam.

“There are more decisions to be made in a bigger crew like ours, so it’s now about putting in a performance that we can be proud of at the World Cup in Munich.

“Let’s see what happens after that.”

The 26-year-old, from Daresbury, is fighting to be part of a crew that won a bronze medal at last year’s world championship, which she missed through injury.

Her boat was fifth in the final at the World Cup in Lucerne earlier this month.

Whitlam added: “This crew is exceptionally talented and we’ve learned a lot already this season.

“We’re improving with each race, but of course it’s about getting it right on the day that matters in London.

“We’re in the hunt for a medal, that’s the standard that we have set ourselves and we’re all working flat out to reach it.”

Fellow Warrington rower Richard Egington says he is worried only about what happens to his boat after he was selected.

The 33-year-old is part of Team GB’s men’s eight, a crew in which he finished second in the Olympic Games final four years ago in Beijing.

“Everybody gets excited about the team being announced but for us it’s just another day,” he said.

“I want to get on and do the job now.”

Seven rowers, plus cox and two-times World Championship silver medallist Phelan Hill, have been named in the boat with the final crew member to be chosen from a group of reserves.

Marcus Batemen occupies the spare seat at this weekend’s final Samsung World Cup regatta in Munich.

However Egington and company will be denied a chance to continue their ongoing rivalry with reigning world champions Germany after the hosts pulled out yesterday, Wednesday.

“I think the men’s eight is one of the tightest races to call,” he said.

“Germany are obviously strong and Canada are Olympic champions.

“We’ve shown already that we can complete with the fastest crews, but we can be more polished in our performance, which is what we’ll be working on in Munich.”

Sunday’s regatta finals will be broadcast live by BBC Television.