All those involved in working towards Gold at the World Rowing Championships at Dorney in 2006, or in Beijing in 2008 are preparing now for future success. They do so with our very best wishes. We are delighted that three Monktonians reached finals in the recent World Championships; Steve Williams and Alex Partridge became World Champions in the Coxless Four and Henry Bailhache came 4th in the Eight. Well done indeed, and thank you for the inspiration you give to others.

It is all too easy to take these results for granted. Do we just expect Gold effortlessly every time? Nothing could do more to jeoparise victory than that thought in an athlete's mind. The GB team will be working day by day to close on their target, knowing that it gets harder each time. Gold may be a carrot, but the hard stick of training must be accepted willingly.

Gold has perhaps been too far from the thoughts of the majority of Monkton crews for a few years. Just as we must not assume that our national crews will win Gold, we must turn away from the equally destructive feeling that our school crews cannot win. Of course they can, but it won't come easily. All the good qualities which are brought out by rowing can work together to bring success in races.

But the Golden effects of taking part in rowing extend beyond the winners. Something you may not have noticed about prize-giving at rowing events from the Olympics to domestic events is that Gold, Silver and Bronze medalists all stand at the same level (unlike in athletics, say). In some ways they are all equal in that they take part in the same sport; one which has given so much to all who call themselves part of it.

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