Olympic rowing gold medallist David Crawshay will be one of the main drawcards when the Australian Rowing Championships commences on Monday at Lake Barrington in Tasmania.

Crawshay, who partnered Scott Brennan to a sensational gold medal in the men’s double scull in Beijing almost six months ago, will contest the men’s single, double and quad scull, before lining up to form part of the Victorian King’s Cup crew.

In the men’s single scull, Crawshay, who is considered Australia’s premier sculler, will face five other Olympians in what is looming to be one of the more closely contested events at this year’s championships.

Crawshay will line up against Australians Dan Noonan, Brendan Long, Jeremy Stevenson and Sam Loch, while Italian Olympian Niccolo Mornati will also contest the event.

“Australian sculling has been going from strength to strength and the quality of this year’s field is testament to that,” Crawshay said.

“It’s great to see some of the sweep rowers like Loch and Stevenson coming across to sculling, and it has only made the competition even tougher.” Crawshay, who is yet to commit to the 2009 international season, says the regatta should help him make a decision.

“Next week will be a good indicator of where I stand in relation to selection,” Crawshay said.

“I have been training pretty well and feel in good physical shape, but I will just have to see if my motivation is where it should be to compete internationally.”

One race Crawshay will not need motivation for is the King’s Cup. After being part of the Victorian crew that was pipped by New South Wales by 0.22 of a second in the 2008 race, he is looking to make amends.

“A loss in the King’s Cup always stings but this year’s crew is pretty determined to bounce back and set the record straight,” Crawshay said.

“It is always a really tough race with New South Wales, and I think South Australia and Western Australia could surprise a few people this year.”

The Australian Rowing Championships commence on Monday 2 March and conclude with the Interstate Regatta on Sunday 8 March. Stay up to date with live racing, results and reports at www.rowingaustralia.com.au

Rowing Australia