Olympic gold medallist appointed as new Cambridge coach

HE stroked Great Britain to Olympic gold in the men's eight ten years ago, now Steve Trapmore has been charged with helping Cambridge retain their Boat Race title.

NEW COACH: Cambridge surprised favourites Oxford to win this year's Boat Race. Steve Trapmore will coach the Light Blues in 2011 (Getty Images)

Trapmore has been appointed chief coach to the Light Blues, who surprised favourites Oxford to win this year's race.

He spent eight years on the British team, with his gold medal success in Sydney the highlight, and has recently been head of rowing at Imperial College in London.

Cambridge president, Derek Rasmussen, said: "Steve Trapmore's track record both as an athlete at the highest level and as coach speaks for itself. 

"We are all looking forward to working with him in building on this year's fabulous win. He will have the full confidence of the squad as we get ready to take on Oxford in the 2011 Xchanging Boat Race."

Trapmore's experience on the fabled stretch of Thames between Putney and Mortlake was another key element in his appointment.

"Steve is widely respected by athletes he has rowed with and coached, and has been developing a growing reputation as a coach at both Imperial College and within GB Rowing," said Robin Waterer, Cambridge University Boat Club's honorary treasurer.

"Importantly, Steve has a deep knowledge of the unique nature of the Boat Race's challenging Championship Course between Putney and Mortlake as both an athlete and coach."