OLYMPIC champion Ed McKeever returned to competitive action with victory at the Great Britain selection events in Nottingham at the weekend.

The Bradford on Avon ace, back in competition for the first time since clinching London 2012 K1 200m gold at Eton Dorney last August, won the final ahead of Liam Heath, with a time of 37.41 seconds.

McKeever, who had already earned selection to next month's World Cup meetings after his 2012 efforts, said: “It's my first race since London and it’s nice to go out there and blow off the cobwebs, so to speak.

“It's been a tough winter, quite miserable over the last few weeks but ultimately that's why we train, for racing.

“It wasn’t the best conditions and obviously there were slow times because of the headwind but ultimately you have to race in all conditions and it’s the same for everyone.

“I was pre-selected for the World Cups based on my performances last year, but obviously it's nice to come up here and race and show my face and sport.”

The first of three World Cup meetings is in Szeged, Hungary, in the middle of next month and McKeever added: "That's when I get a real benchmark where I am internationally. “

Fellow Bradford on Avon paddler Hannah Brown was second behind Angela Hannah in the women's K1 200m final.

The 23 year old, who is currently studying for a degree in Marine Biology at the University of Southampton, was aiming to test herself against Olympic athletes as she attempted to qualify for the GB U23 team.

“It’s nice to be able to see where you are against all the big girls,” she said.

“It's really good to be able to sit on a start line next to them, quite inspirational, and motivational when you do well against them.

“I'm better than I thought I would be after a tricky winter with study and university and training, and the weather it's all been fighting against us this year.

“(It) wasn't my best race, it was quite tricky in those conditions, but I was glad to finish second and I  guess it opens doors for me.  Hopefully it means my under 23 selection is sewn up.”

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