Twickenham’s John Collins insists it is all systems go for Rio after claiming a gold medal at the British Rowing Championships, writes Katie Falkingham.

Collins joined the great and the good of British rowing at Nottingham’s Holme Pierrepont National Water Sports Centre last weekend.

And after sitting out Saturday’s action Collins announced himself with a bang 24 hours later as he helped a Leander Club A quadruple sculls boat win their semi-final in six minutes 6.68 seconds.

But the 26-year-old wasn’t done there, returning for the final as Leander shaved more than six seconds off their time to win the showpiece.

“It means quite a lot to win the British Champs,” he said.

“It’s not my first medal here but every time you come here, it’s still a big competition to win.

“It’s always nice to come out on top in such a commanding way as well, it gives you confidence and I’m very happy moving forward.

“In order to make Rio happen, you have to put performances in along the way and I consider this to be one of those performances.

“You can always look back and say that’s one where I did well.

“I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do to get my bum on the seat for Rio, that’s my main aim this season.

“Being in any seat for an Olympic seat for any Games is really special, I’ve been in a boat with Jonny Walton for the last two years now and to continue would be great.”

Former Orleans Park School student Collins endured for Great Britain in both the European and World Rowing Championships this summer – finishing eighth in the double scull alongside Walton at both events.

* Leander Club have launched their ‘Row to Rio’ campaign and John Collins spoke of Leander’s place as the most successful rowing club in the world, with 111 Olympic medals won by its members.