THIS week marks the culmination of a year of sacrifice for Northwich Rowing Club’s rising star Ed Grisedale.

The teenager races for Great Britain in the World Junior Championships on the same stretch of water that will be used for next year’s Olympic Games.

“There’s nowhere I’d rather be,” he said.

“To make the team has literally taken over my life for an entire year, so it has taken maximum effort mentally and psychologically to be where I am."

Grisedale, 17, will sit with Joe Guppy in a double scull on Eton’s Dorney Lake.

Selected following a four-das trial last month, his appearance in his country’s colours is made more impressive by the fact he only started rowing two years ago.

But the Sir John Deane’s College student sees no disadvantage.

He said: “When I started to row I only ever wanted to be the best rather than it to just be a hobby which I didn't take that seriously.

“The experience I've gained over the past two years has helped me to not feel intimidated by other athletes because we all have to be at a high standard to be picked.”

Grisedale’s drive to succeed has helped him to adjust to an elite environment, training three times a day for the past month to be ready to race.

Now he hopes to turn the pain of preparation into medal glory.

“The camp has gone well and we’ve improved as a crew,” he added.

“I’ve never done a sport where you have to push yourself to the limit like you do in rowing, but when everything is going well it’s worth it.

“It might sound like I don't enjoy training or racing; that’s not true!”

The World Junior Championships started yesterday, Wednesday, and runs through until Sunday.