By Dafydd Jones

Copyright bbc

Cedol Dafydd had never come across rowing while growing up in north Wales.

But after first picking up an oar as a university fresher, the 24-year-old is now preparing to represent Great Britain in the men’s quadruple sculls at the World Rowing Championships in Shanghai (21-28 September).

His journey began almost by accident. Arriving at the University of Bath as a first-year student, Dafydd wandered past the rowing club stand at a freshers’ fair and decided to give it a try.

“It was a complete chance decision,” said Dafydd. “The people were welcoming, and it looked like something different. Before I knew it, I’d fallen in love with the sport.”

Growing up in north Wales, Dafydd played rugby for Bangor RFC and tried his hand at a variety of sports. He was a talented runner and competed internationally at World Youth Cups and home internationals in long-distance events. Rowing, however, was never on the radar.

“I’d always been sporty,” he said. “I swam, I ran, I played rugby – I pretty much had a go at anything going.

“But I’d never dreamed of rowing internationally. There just wasn’t really the opportunity in north Wales.”