ADAPTIVE rower Alastair McKean hopes to have moved a step closer selection for the Beijing Paralympics in September after helping the Great Britain Mixed Coxed Four win gold at the Varese International Regatta in Italy.

McKean partnered former Deal Rowing Club captain James Morgan, the latest addition to the squad, Vicky Hansford and Naomi Riches to victory, finishing nearly four seconds ahead of Italy, with Holland third and Russia fourth.

It was one of three golds won by the British squad, with single scullers Helene Raynsford and Tom Aggar winning both their events, setting new world records in the process.

Former Canterbury High School teacher McKean, now fully supported by Lottery Funding through UK Sport, said: “We felt we had a pretty strong chance of winning before the event.”

Performance Director David Tanner added: “This was a valuable experience in the run-up to Beijing Games, where we know the competition will be tough.”

McKean, who is now based at Caversham near Reading, added: “I would like to thank the University of Kent for allowing me to use their facilities, and also Andy Turner at King’s School Rowing Club.”

He now switched his attentions to training and preparing for the Poplar International Regatta in London Docklands at the end of this month followed by time-trials in mid-June, then the Poznan International Regatta.