Olympic champion Anna Watkins has claimed that the new use of data analytics in GB Rowing has boosted the sport.
The 32-year-old, who won Olympic gold at London 2012 alongside double sculls partner Katherine Grainger, has noticed a change since returning to rowing.
Watkins took a break from the sport in January 2014 to have two children, but she intends to fight for a place in the British team for next summer's Olympics in Rio.
During her preparations, Watkins has seen first hand how new software SAS has helped improve performance.
"Before SAS our data was a little bit lacking in cohesion," said Watkins. "Your coach might have had access to data for the boat in general, whereas now even the crew has this super-flashy database where individual rowers can press a button and compare all sorts of facts about their performances.
"I think there is a big breakthrough to be had in rowing by using data. Rowing is a funny sport because the scores we achieve on the indoor rowing machines don't translate perfectly to what happens on the water. So it's not straightforward. There's a technical aspect, but to define what is perfect technique is almost impossible."
Watkins will be tested at the weekend when she takes on a 5km time trial in Boston, Lincolnshire.
Danielle Joynson
