Rowers to fight for Rio selection

The pressure is on for NSWIS rowers James Chapman and Joshua Hicks as they and their men’s eight rowing teammates attempt to qualify for the Rio Olympics. 

After missing qualification at last year’s world championships, the men’s eight will be pressing their Olympic selection in Switzerland later this month in what has been dubbed the ‘Regatta of Death’ to be held in Lucerne. 

Chapman, a veteran of Australian rowing and a silver medallist in the coxless four at the London Olympics, said that the team hopes to thrive under pressure. 

“Most of us like competing at this elite level because we enjoy what the pressure brings out,” Chapman told AAP. 

“I like what the pressure brings out in me – the way it galvanises my resolve, the way the adrenalin and endorphins course through the veins.” 

While Chapman was a member of the eight that missed qualification at the world championships in France last year, Hicks will be a newcomer for the final attempt at claiming an Olympic berth. 

The Aussies will be up against crews from the United States, Poland, Italy and France with all eager to lock down a top-two position, and Chapman knows the consequence if the Aussies can’t deliver. 

“If we don’t come top-two, the season is over,” he said. 

The Australian men’s eight will face the competition in Lucerne from May 22-24.