Rowing's struggle for sponsorship despite Golden Games is a big worry for minority sports

By Steven Oldham

Despite picking up their biggest ever haul of medals in last year's Olympics, Great Britain's rowers will be flying cattle class to this year's World Championships in South Korea.

The lack of a title sponsor backing GB Rowing since Siemens quietly pulled out last December have left the bean counters cutting back on goodies such as first class travel and bonuses for medallists in August.

In the six months since Siemens withdrew their support, no replacement has been found and that means one of Team GB's most consistent and successful teams have lost out on £6m of funding.

Don't get me wrong - rowing is still very well funded compared to the majority of it's Olympic contemporaries - and the success at London 2012 saw an increase of National Lottery funding of over £5m for the next cycle to the Rio 2016 Games to £32.6m.

Compared to other minority sports such as handball, basketball and men's water polo which have lost all funding, rowing is still doing very well for itself.

But the fact that one of, if not the best team in the world, cannot find a sponsor is very worrying for all Olympic sports, particularly considering it's less than a year since London 2012 enthralled the world.

Siemens are not alone in tightening their belts as the world economy still continues to drag its heels along the road to growth.  Aviva shocked UK Athletics and the watching interested by dropping their title sponsorship of the Olympics' blue riband event not long ago. 

The lack of commitment and desire shown by big business to be associated with GB Rowing is a kick in the teeth for the heroes and heroines of London 2012 with many of them treading water to stay afloat financially.  And with no sponsor for rowing, the likes of handball have no chance.  The GB team played what looks like their last game against Italy last month and with no funding available, players unable to afford to travel to games and no backing for the sort of legacy hoped for, handball sadly looks likely to be a one-summer wonder with few remembering the action from the Copper Box last summer.

Follow @spoldham on Twitter