MARLOW Olympic legend Sir Steve Redgrave says helping bring the Olympics to London was a bigger achievement than winning his five gold medals.

The rower, who triumphed in five consecutive Olympics, is chairman of the Athletes' Commission, and played a big role in London's successful 2012 bid.

He said: "I'd swap five measly gold medals to have a very small part in having the Games. Because of what I did a lot of people got a lot of pleasure out of it, but it's a very selfish thing what I did.

"Bringing the Games to London is the complete business. It could be so many people that get benefit from it."

The rowing events will be held at Doreny Lake, home of the Marlow Regatta, of which Sir Steve is on the committee.

Roderick Watson, Special Projects Advisor and Director of Construction at Dorney Lake, said: "It's a fantastic decision for Eton College Rowing Centre and the Thames Valley and I would like to give thanks to the local authorities in the region and in particular to South Bucks District Council, who have been so important in making sure that the young people in the area do get an opportunity to row through the junior rowing initiative.

"One must reflect that some of these young rowers could well be taking part in the London 2012 Olympics at this venue."