A NEW wave of rowers are expected to take to the river inspired by the city's Olympians who helped bag a flurry of medals.

Several Oxford-trained rowers showed their worth by reaching the podium in Rio including former Oxford University Boat Club president Constantine Louloudis, who won gold in the men's coxless four.

But it is back home that rowing coaches are looking forward to the Olympic effect, hoping to see droves of new rowers sign up as Oxford was dubbed a "honey pot" for the sport.

Peter Travis, president of The Falcon Rowing and Canoe Club, near Donnington Bridge, said: "Of course I have been watching and it is brilliant.

"It is great to see and especially as it is so mixed with the women doing great as well, it is very encouraging as rowing has been coming along great strides in the past 10 to 15 years.

"The impact of the Olympics is definitely felt locally for clubs such as the Falcon Club.

"We certainly felt it after London 2012 with an increase in numbers for the next three years, 12 per cent each year.

"I think it will be the same this year for rowing and kayaking, which is quite exciting.

"Oxford really is a centre for rowing, it is a real honey pot."

Great Britain's men's and women's coxed eights finished off a successful games with a gold medal for the men's and silver for the women's.

These teams included three-times Olympic gold medalist Andrew Triggs Hodge, formerly of Cowley Road; former Headington School pupil Katie Greves; former Dragon School Pupil Frances Houghton; former Oxford University Boat Club Zoe Lee; and former Oxford Brookes University pupils Olivia Carnegie-Brown and Zoe De Toledo.

Oxford University Boat Club head coach Sean Bowden said: "There is quite a few Oxford University Boat Club members on the team including Constantine and Zoe and it is just terrific for them.

"They have been training very hard in Caversham and I am just really pleased they have got what they have been working towards.

"Rowing's future for Britain looks very good."

Prior to Saturday, Oxford also hailed Oxford-born Stewart Innes as he came fourth in the men's pair and the Chamber brothers of Oxford Brookes University – Peter, who came first in the men's lightweight four B final, and Richard, who came first in the men's lightweight double scull B final.

Oxford Brookes University head coach Henry Bailhache-Webb said: "They have all been real leaders on the team over the last couple of years.

"He [Peter] was on the boat that won the University championship.

"They always come back to ride for us in the National championships.

"Richard and Peter have boats named after them at the club."