Five Beijing medallists return to GB squad after year out

OLYMPIC champions Tom James, Zac Purchase and Mark Hunter have returned to the Great Britain rowing squad after a year's break from the sport.

RETURN TO ACTION: Tom James (left) is back in the picture after a planned post-Beijing break - but Steve Williams (second left) is yet to announce his decision (Getty Images)

James captured gold in the coxless four in Beijing while the duo of Purchase and Hunter were victorious in the lightweight men's double scull.

And Debbie Flood and Frances Houghton - both two-time silver medallists in the quad - also return to action.

"It's fabulous to see all these guys back in training. They are hugely motivated and this is good news for the sport," said performance director David Tanner.

Cox Acer Nethercott, who guided the men's eight to silver in Beijing, is expected to return to the squad when the coxes join the programme later in the season.

Purchase was forced to sit-out of the 2009 season after a virus in February scuppered a return to full fitness in time for the World Cups and World Championships. 

While Hunter has been coaching at the University of California and James has undertaken a variety of charity, coaching and business activities.

"My year away coaching at UCLA has totally refreshed me and watching my athletes train and compete with such a buzz and excitement reminded me why I love training and racing so much," said Hunter.

"Also with 2012 being in London how could the East End boy miss his home Olympics?"

But Steve Williams - two-time gold medallist in the coxless four - is yet to confirm his return to the squad.

While Colin Smith - Beijing silver medallist in the eight and victorious Boat Race president with Oxford University in 2009 - announced his retirement last week.

"I realised that if I won every race between now and the London Olympics, I wouldn't be any happier," said Smith.