(Picture by PA)

A BRITISH Olympic gold medallist will take part in this year’s Jersey Post Sark to Jersey rowing race.

Tim Brabants MBE (pictured), who won a gold and a bronze for kayaking at the Beijing Olympics last year, will row in a men’s four crew for the race on 4 July.

And the former doctor at the General Hospital in Jersey is aiming to finish the 19-mile challenge in under two hours.

Brabants worked at the Hospital from August 2005 to February 2006 before he left to concentrate on his sporting career.

He will race alongside friend and former colleague, Dr Carl Clinton, who suggested taking part in the event.

‘Carl had talked about me starting the race but a challenge like this is like a red rag to a bull,’ said Brabants.

‘I had to take part. It’s also great to be coming back to Jersey. I liked it over there – that first six months wasn’t long enough.’

Organisers hope that Brabants’ presence in the race will attract and encourage competitors and spectators alike.