Rower Thomas taking inspiration from Flintoff documentary

Rowing ace Graeme Thomas is taking inspiration from Freddie Flintoff as he looks to emulate his fellow Prestonian by opening up new sporting avenues for the city's youngsters. Thomas, 33, was gripped by the former cricketer's Field of Dreams TV show which saw him introduce the sport to a band of teenagers from deprived backgrounds, many of whom had never played or watched the sport before. Ad The single sculler recognises similar barriers to access within his sport and is determined to play his part in knocking them down close to home.

RowingRebecca Shorten targeting first World Championship podium finish20 HOURS AGO «There is no rowing scene in Preston,» he said. «It's a shame, as we have a docklands, and I've seen from doing a bit of digging that there used to be rowing regattas in the 1800s, so there is a history of the sport in the city. »I didn't know anything about rowing growing up but I was lucky, I went to university and discovered it there.

«Realistically, not all kids in Preston will have that opportunity so we have to do more to raise awareness of what is possible and what can be achieved. »Rowing has opened up so many doors for me and it would be great to think that could happen for others growing up where I did. «It was brilliant to see Freddie's programme and the impact that had on the kids involved.