The exchange programme is set to take place on Saturday and Sunday (May 23 and 24), during the American Collegiate Rowing Association Championships (ACRA).

It will see the British rowing legend return the scene in of his second Olympic triumph, where alongside Sir Steve Redgrave he triumphed in the men’s coxless pairs on Lake Lainer, at Atlanta 1996. 

Their victory also notably gave Britain their only gold medal of the Games.

Since his retirement after the 2004 Athens Olympics where he earned his fourth gold, following a victory at Sydney 2004, this time in the men’s coxless four, the 10-time World Championship winner has worked for the BBC as a sports reporter and presenter.

“We are thrilled to host an individual like Sir Matthew,” said John Wik, USRowing’s director of referee programmes.

“His reputation as a world-class athlete, his dedication to the sport, and his skills as a rowing official will bring a great deal of excitement to ACRA.”

Sir Matthew will be participating in the exchange programme with Norwegian Tore Gulli, an experienced international rowing umpire.

The programme attempts to provide opportunities for USRowing officials develop by travelling to and working at international regattas, whilst benefitting from experience of foreign officials who attend USRowing events.

“The exchange programme has become more formalised over the said few years,” said Wik.

“By inviting foreign officials to USRowing registered regattas and sending USRowing officials to international events, we provide an opportunity for all our referees to learn from the international community.”

Previously the programme has seen USRowing exchange officials with Canada, Britain, Mexico, Norway and Sweden.

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