Scowen hopeful for the future after breakthrough 2009

By Tom Reynolds, Sportsbeat

BRITISH Paralympic rower Samantha Scowen has vowed to prove that her stunning 2009 season was more than just beginner's luck.

LOOKING FORWARD: Paralympic rower Samantha Scowen, left, must find a new partner after James Roberts, right, was reclassified by FISA (Getty Images)

The 22-year-old made her World Championship debut in Poznan, Poland earlier this year - finishing an impressive fifth in the mixed double scull event.

Scowen also topped the podium at the Munich World Cup, as well as scooping silver and bronze at the Varese International Regatta.

But the rookie racer insists the hard work must start now, as the countdown to the London 2012 Paralympics hits 1000 days to go.

"Everything is going to get so much more intense now.  I'm going to have to push so much harder but it'll be worth it," added Scowen.

"Everyone gets so much more serious and more dedicated when it starts to get close to the Paralympics because we all want the same result. 

"It was my first World Championships and I think I did pretty well. It was just an amazing experience in itself.

"I never thought I'd be competing for my country, let alone at something as big as World Championships.

"But the Paralympics are so much bigger than the worlds and it just made me realise how much I want it."

Scowen is now preparing herself for a winter of change after partner James Roberts was reclassified by FISA, rowing's world governing body - rendering him ineligible for next year's World Championships in New Zealand.

But the youngster is keeping her fingers crossed she can sort her future out sooner rather than later.

"All I need now is a new training partner," she added.

"My partner no longer qualifies but I'm not worried too much - I'm sure I'll find the right person.

"They have been talking about changing it for a while but he was allowed to finish the season and then that was it.

"However, everything is on schedule at the moment.  As far as I am aware, everything seems to be going to plan for 2012.

"My main aim is to go out there, make everybody proud and win a gold medal. It would be the highlight of everything I've ever done."