Legendary Russian Olympians Visit Henley Regatta

Four of Russia’s most famous Olympic oarsmen will attend Henley Regatta on Saturday and Sunday (3rd, 4th July) on a unique visit organized by VisitBritain, the national tourism agency jointly with the British Council and the Russian Rowing Fans' Association.

Their appearance is a part of VisitBritain and the British Council’s major commitment to building greater understanding between the UK and Russia in the run up to 2012, when the eyes of the world will turn to Britain as London hosts the Olympic Games.

The event will highlight the shared traditions of UK and Russian rowing history as well as the Olympic friendship between two countries. The first visit by the Russian legends for twenty years will be hosted by VisitBritain Chairman, Christopher Rodrigues and will include participation in traditional Regatta activities along with the memorable veteran's race.

Christopher Rodrigues, who was a Cambridge rowing blue and past chairman of renowned Leander rowing club in Henley said: "I am delighted to be welcoming such outstanding Olympic athletes to Henley 2010.

"This is like having Maradonna, Pele and Bobby Charlton all at the same sporting event."

Alexander Timoshinin, two-time Olympic Champion, multiple USSR champion, and a winner of Henley Regatta in 1972 said: "We are very thankful to organizers for this unique opportunity for us to be a part of the one of the key rowing tournaments in the word. For us this visit is more than just to meet our old friends and competitors but as a part of general commitment on promoting sport and healthy life style in run up to the biggest sport events that our two counties are facing London 2012 and Sochi 2014."

The exchange comes after Sir Steve Redgrave, who won gold medals in rowing at five successive Olympic Games from 1984 to 2000, visited St Petersburg in May to take part in the Presidential Regatta and meet Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. There, he accepted the honorary Presidency of the English Rowing Club rebuilt in the city to mark the 150th anniversary of rowing in Russia.

For more information contact: Mark Di-Toro at mark.di-toro@visitbritain.org

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