Half way to the London Olympics

The 2012 Olympic Games in London are drawing nearer as the clock ticks through the half way point of the four year Olympic cycle. In two years time rowing crews from nations throughout the world will be racing in the opening rounds of the Olympic rowing regatta.

Racing starts on 28 July and runs through until 5 August 2012. Competition is in 14 events with the potential for the crowning of 48 Olympic Champions from these events. Qualification regattas in 2011 and into 2012 will help decide the athletes that will compete in London. There are spots for a total of 550 athletes.

The Eton Dorney Lake venue will accommodate the regatta. This venue is about 40km west of London, near Windsor Castle. At the venue there will be capacity for up to 30 000 spectators. The course itself is eight-laned with a warm up and cool down area. It is set in a 400 acre park.

All construction work at the venue has already been completed and the organisers say it is on time and to budget. The existing course, which is privately owned by Eton College, has been in use since 2000 and it hosted the 2006 World Rowing Championships. Since 2006 the access road to the venue has been improved as well as a new 50m, 282-tonne bridge which replaces an original smaller bridge at the finish line.

Eton Dorney Lake will host the 2011 World Rowing Junior Championships which will act as the test regatta for the 2012 Olympic regatta.