Bennett selected for ambassador role at European Championships

The European Championships are breaking new ground with athletics, aquatics, cycling, gymnastics, rowing and triathlon events all taking place at the same time, with this the biggest sporting event staged in Scotland since the Commonwealth Games four years ago.

Rowing alone will see 600 of Europe's best compete across 18 different medal events at Strathclyde Country Park in North Lanarkshire.

And for Bennett, part of the women's eight squad that won silver at Rio 2016, couldn't be happier to play her part in a new venture for European sport.

"I'm immensely proud to be named as the Rowing ambassador for Glasgow 2018," said Bennett, an Edinburgh native and former European champion.

"It's excellent that this world first, the European Championships, will combine athletics in Berlin with aquatics, cycling, golf, gymnastics, rowing and triathlon in Glasgow to create one amazing event this August.

"The European Rowing Championships has a rich history and the crowds in Glasgow and Scotland have a long-standing reputation for being fantastic.

"I have no doubt that the competition and atmosphere at year's rowing event at Strathclyde Park will be thrilling for athletes, spectators, and rowing fans."

This same venue hosted the 1996 World Rowing Championships and marks the first opportunity in five years for British fans to see GB's own rowing team in home waters.

The European Championships will take place every four years and combine the existing European Championships, with Glasgow and Berlin heralding a new sporting partnership from the event.

"I'm delighted to see Karen named as rowing's ambassador for Glasgow 2018," said Andy Parkinson, the CEO of British Rowing.

"Karen is part of a large cohort of Scottish rowers on the GB Rowing Team, and everyone on the team is looking forward to the opportunity to compete on home water this August.

"Glasgow 2018 plays a key part in the GB Rowing Team's preparations for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and we can't wait to hear the roar of a home crowd at Strathclyde Country Park."

Sportsbeat 2018