For the second year in a row, the National Rowing Championships will be held in London, Ont.
More than 200 athletes from across the country will have the opportunity to show their speed at the annual regatta, held this year on November 3 and 4 on Fanshawe Lake, hosted by the London Rowing Society.
"This event showcases the athletes who have the 2012 Summer Olympics on their radar," said Rowing Canada Aviron High Performance Director Peter Cookson. "As well, it provides the up-and-comers the chance to race against the best in Canada and gives the coaches a good idea of who will be contending for spots on our National Teams (Under 23, Junior) next year and beyond."
Although last year saw many of the Olympic medalists take some well-deserved time away from competing, several have returned this year with their sights set on London 2012.
Included in the lineup are 2008 Olympic gold medalists from the men's eight - Malcolm Howard of Victoria, B.C., Kevin Light of Sidney, B.C. and Andrew Byrnes of Toronto, Ont.
Lightweight men's four Olympic bronze medalist Mike Lewis, of Victoria, will row in a pair with John Sasi, who rowed in the men's lightweight double final at the 2008 Games with Doug Vandor.
Several of the women's 2008 Olympic entries, including bronze medalist (lightweight women's double) Tracy Cameron of Shubenacadie, NS, are racing. More Olympians competing include Janine Hanson of Winnipeg, Romina Stefancic of Victoria, Krista Guloien of Port Moody, B.C., Ashley Brzozowicz of Toronto, Sarah Bonikowsky of Orangeville, Ont., Rachelle de Jong of Regina, Sask., Darcy Marquardt of Richmond, B.C., and Jane Rumball of Fredericton, N.B.
"It's great to see so many of our returning Olympians in the mix," said Cookson. "I'm very excited to see how racing will unfold next week."
Other notable entries include 2008 World Champions James Dunaway of Duncan, B.C. and Gabe Bergen 100 Mile House, BC, who will again be rowing together here in London in the men's pair event. They were also members of the 2009 World silver medal men's eight.
Under-23 2009 World bronze medalist, Michael Braithwaite of Duncan, B.C., is entered in the men's single event.
The field also includes other top National Team members, Canada Games medalists and 2007 Pan Am medalists.
For the first time ever at the NRCs, an adaptive event (the coxed four) will be raced and includes several members of the 2008 Paralympic team and 2009 World Championship team members.
Updates and results will be available at http://www.rowingcanada.org/competition/nrc/
Information on the recently announced $20,000 purse is also available on the web site.