AFTER a little more than 18 months since stepping into a rowing boat for the first time, Erica Bodman is set to acquire her first Great Britain vest after an impressive showing at the recent national trials.

The 22-year-old former Island Games high jump gold medallist was 18th overall out of nearly 50 of the country’s top rowers and the second fastest under-23 rower at the third trials for the senior and U-23 British rowing teams held on Dorney Lake.

The Eton facility is the 2012 Olympic rowing venue.

With the next trial scheduled for April, the Sarnian is building a strong case to represent Great Britain at the U-23 World Rowing Championships in Belarus in July.

‘I was very pleased with my time trial performance at Dorney, however I felt my inexperience showed through in the semi-final and final,’ said Bodman (pictured).

‘I am excited to be at the top of the U-23 group at the moment and am looking forward to the progress I can make as my experience increases throughout the season.’

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