Rowing records broken at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park championships

The British Indoor Rowing Championships at the Lee Valley VeloPark (Image: �Naomi Baker)

The roar of a packed crowd helped competitors push through to the finish line as they smashed personal bests and broke records a total of four indoor British rowing records.

Olympian Moe Sbihi – part of the British crew that won the bronze medal in the eight in 2012 – broke Sir Matthew Pinsent’s 11-year 2km record.

The 27-year-old, who holds three World Championship titles, stormed home in a time of five minutes 41.8 seconds.

“It’s a big record that’s stood for quite a long time so I’m delighted to have broken it especially in the Olympic season,” he said, after successfully defending his indoor title.

Forest Gate Olympic hero Mark Hunter in action (Image: �Naomi Baker)

“It is a great atmosphere and a wonderful event here – it’s such a good place to have set the record.

“Indoor rowing is now a massive part of our sport. The machines are the same in gyms around the world and it’s growing and growing.”

A further two junior girl’s records were broken by Sarah Beevers, from Doncaster Schools Rowing Association, gaining 1,71 7m in six minutes and Lilybeth Ihezue, from Eton Excelsior Rowing Club, reaching 850m in three minutes.

Jens Hullah broke a junior boy’s record by reaching 1,909 meters in six minutes.

Andy Parkinson, CEO of British Rowing, said: “Today has been a great example of the excitement and drama of indoor rowing.

“There has been some fierce racing today between top quality athletes – congratulations to everyone who took part.

“The success of this event has been down to the hard work of our volunteers and the support we’ve received from SAS, our event partner. A big thank you to all involved.”