Bodman has the potential

ERICA BODMAN has set pulses racing among the coaches on the World Class Start Rowing Programme.

At a training camp held in Nottingham at the weekend, the student teacher again gave exciting proof that her switch from athletics to rowing could bring about international recognition.

She was already being tipped for a trial in next year's British under-23 squad, and after her weekend test performances, coach Mary McLachlan was positively enthusing over her new charge, the three-times Island Games high-jump champion.

'She did really well and beyond where I thought she would be. What she did at camp was really, really encouraging.'

McLachlan said the Homerton College student's ergo test indicated she was capable of really impressive two-kilometre times.

'It indicated a 7min. to 7-05 for 2k, which is a really good score. Her ergo test puts her in a very good position. She certainly has the physiology to go a lot further.'