Redgrave takes the helm

Five-time Olympic champion Sir Steve Redgrave has been appointed high-level performance director for China's national rowing team.

The Briton was welcomed to his new role in Beijing on Monday by Liu Aijie, chairman of the Chinese Rowing Association, who said he was looking forward to future improvements in the standard of Chinese rowing under Redgrave's stewardship.

Redgrave will have full responsibility for the Chinese national team's training program and will also be tasked with implementing a youth development program and a training system for coaches.