Steve Redgrave wants six of the best

Olympic Games great Sir Steve Redgrave believes Britain's rowers can win as many as six medals this summer after the squad for Beijing was announced today.

Redgrave said: "We've got a very strong team with more boats qualified than ever before in 12 out of the 14 Olympic events.

"At last year's world championships we had 10 of those boats that were fourth place or better. We had three fourth places, five bronze medallists and two gold medallists.

"One of our best hopes is the men's four. They actually finished fourth last year but they should be back in the medals this time round."

The squad comprises 43 rowers in 12 boats, the largest team since the Barcelona Games in 1992.

David Tanner, the British rowing team leader, said: "The Olympic Games bring out the best in every athlete whatever the sport.

"Everyone will be trying to peak at the right time on the right day, including the Chinese who have emerged in the last four years to be a formidable force in our sport.

"We will be going to Beijing in a confident frame of mind, but well aware of the size of the task ahead."