Leyden credits new coach Randell with British rowing turnaround

AS a structural engineer when not on the water, Jess Leyden knows all about the importance of forward planning. And the Todmorden ace believes all the ingredients are in place for Britain's rowers to build on their European success at the upcoming World Championships. Ad Leyden was part of the women's quad sculls crew who claimed a surprise gold in Munich and credits new coach Andrew Randell with inspiring a change of fortunes after last summer's Tokyo disappointment.

RowingEuropean champion Nunn undaunted by Britain's illustrious rowing history24 MINUTES AGO Continuing her career away from rowing has been key to Leyden's satisfaction, as she strikes a balance she believes is benefiting her performances in the boat. «He [Randell] really cares about our whole lives, it’s not just about what we do here [at training],» she said. «He wants us to be well rounded, happy people and he lets me keep working as a structural engineer alongside this; he knows that helps me and will make me faster.

»We work together and work things out. He's had a really positive impact and that’s been shown in the results. «I did the job full-time while I missed out on the Olympics; I decided to dip my toe into the real world for the first time and it was really cool.