Olympic rowing coach Robin Williams visited two Monmouth schools last week.

Originally from Chepstow, Robin was a pupil at Monmouth School, where he learnt to row under the watchful eye of John Hartland and went on to win a number of medals at several World Championships.

Determined to ensure that the Olympic legacy does inspire the next generation, Robin spent the afternoon meeting the Monmouth School Rowing Coaching Team and took a tour of the school with current Captain of Boats, William Gilliland.

After signing autographs, Robin took part in the regular Wednesday night circuit training session. During his visit, Robin was delighted to sponsor a 'boat rack' as part of the Club's Boat House refurbishment programme.

In the evening, Robin spoke to the girls at HMSG, parents and Monmouth Rowing Club members about 'Olympic Games, from dreams to reality.

An animated speaker, Robin talked about the build-up to Heather Stanning and Helen Glover making rowing history as the first ever GB Olympic Gold medal winners in women's rowing.

The audience was captivated, asking many questions about diet, training programmes, what really makes a boat go faster and the effect the crowd at Dorney Lake really had on finals day. Robin happily answered them all and showed videos the athletes had made of their road to London 2012.

He spoke of fond memories he had of rowing on the River Wye, "one of the most beautiful rivers you will ever row on".