James Roberts hopes to partner Karen Cromie to medal glory

Welsh rower James Roberts is celebrating selection for Great Britain at the Beijing Paralympics.

The Prestatyn-bred Swansea student, 22, will partner Northern Ireland's Karen Cromie in the mixed double scull.

James swam for GB's development squad in 2004 and 2005 then switched his allegiance to rowing.

He said: "I'm overjoyed at being selected. Winning a medal is one of my personal aspirations. My other goal is to make the Paralympic A final."

Roberts' and Cromie's successful partnership means GB will be represented at the Games in all four boat classes.

Roberts and Cromie are joined in the squad by London's Tom Aggar in the men's single scull, Farnborough's Helene Raynsford in the women's single scull and Naomi Riches (Bucks), James Morgan (Kent), Alastair McKean (Kent), Vicki Hansford (Farnborough) and cox Alan Sherman (London) in the mixed coxed four.

The rowing heats are scheduled for 9 September, repecharges on 10 September and finals on 11 September.