MONICA TO GB SENIOR TRAINING CAMP
Monica Relph has flown out to Portugal for two week's intensive training with the GB Senior Women's rowing squad.
Monica Relph has had the best possible start to 2012 after being selected to attend a warm-weather training camp with the British Senior Rowing Squad.
The Yes! Concept-sponsored oarswoman is one of 22 athletes who fly out to the camp in Aziz, Portugal between 5th-21st January and this represents an opportunity for Relph to stake a claim for a seat in one of the GB boats at the Olympic Games in July.
The invitation to Portugal follows a top 20 finish in GB Rowing Squad trials at Boston (Lincolnshire) and a 2,000 metre static ergometer test in early December.
‘I’m pleased to still be part of the selection process for London 2012 and the (Portugal) camp is another step along that path. It will tell me where I am both in my personal fitness and my performance levels in relation to other athletes who are up for selection for the Olympics’ commented Relph.
‘There are further trials at Dorney (the Olympic rowing venue) in March and these are by invitation only, and at that point the Olympic crews should really be taking shape in the coaches’ minds, so getting selected for that is really my first big short-term objective’.
The Christmas break did not mean a let-up in the athlete’s training regime, with both Monica and her sister, Paralympic Games hopeful Pamela Relph, completing fitness sessions on Christmas Day.
‘We had ergos and a static cycle set up in the garage at home, so after we opened our presents, Pam and I did an hour or so of endurance training, so you could say we earned our Christmas Dinners – and besides, Turkey and roast potatoes are an excellent source of protein and carbohydrates!’ joked Relph.
