Rowing ColumnGearoid Towey is in the final stages of the build-up to rowing the Atlantic but is already targeting a place in the national programme when he returns.
The Corkman, a world champion in the lightweight pair in 2001, was devastated to miss out on an Olympic final berth last year in Athens. He decided to take part in the Atlantic Challenge, teaming up with Ciaran Lewis for the race, which leaves the Canary Islands on November 27th. Double Olympic gold medallist James Cracknell is also taking part.
The break from the national squad has been "the best move I ever made" Towey says, and now he has a renewed appetite. "I'd been at the pointy end of the game since 1995. It was time to try something new. My aim this year was to be watching the World Championships and itching to be there. That's how it has been."
Towey, who has been one of the top lightweight rowers in the country for a decade, might be in contention for a place in the fours, but he says he is not thinking like this. "Next year is all about getting into the programme," he says. A medal in Athens might have seen him call a halt to his career as a top-class oarsman, but now he sees Beijing 2008 - and maybe even London 2012 - as the targets.
Ireland coach Harald Jahrling has a similar mindset. He has given his charges a month when they are not to row, as much for psychological reasons as for physical rest. "There are three years left to the Olympics. I don't want burnout," he says.
