Far from the madding crowds of London, Andrzej Jezierski takes to the peaceful waters of Eton Dorney this morning in the sprint canoe competition.

Irish crews make up nine of the 133 overseas boats in a record entry of 499 crews at this year’s Henley Royal Regatta, beginning today.

Ireland secured its 50th qualifier for the Olympic Games yesterday when Polish-born Andrej Jezierski ensured his place by finishing in the top two qualifying positions in the canoe sprint at the final qualifying tournament in Poznan yesterday.

A former Polish world champion canoeist has become the 50th athlete to qualify to represent Ireland at the Olympic Games in London.