The British medics were busy this past year

Can Great Britain Get Any Better?

The British rowing team worries that they will not be able to improve their medal count in 2012.

After winning six gold medals at the 2008 Olympic regatta, the most for any country in rowing, Great Britain is looking ahead to London in 2012. This year, the country where rowing flourishes earned two men’s medals, two women’s and two lightweight. This was a huge improvement from the country’s single gold medal in 1996. Since then, the country has put many efforts towards all their rowing programs along with recruiting. But the question remains, can their medal haul in 2012 outshine that in Beijing?
The British medics were busy this past year. Along with extra long practices and added off-water training came serious injuries and illness in five of the 12 crews. Coaches worry this was due to rowers taking on a full time workload. They are working on how to improve their rowing without adding more risks to injury coming into the next Olympics.
Also, a factor for the upcoming summer games is the home course advantage. Many would assume that it would give the British an up on the field, but the Chinese, who were contenders in many events, only earned two medals in Beijing. Another worry for the British is filling their coaching staff after some left for retirement.