Beijing Olympic gold medallist Andy Triggs-Hodge has called on the next generation of British athletes to step up and find out if they have what it takes to follow in his footsteps.

The rower is backing a scheme set up by UK Sport and the English Institute of Sport, who have joined forces to find athletes capable of representing and winning medals for Great Britain in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

Talent 2016 will consist of a series of searches looking to unearth athletic youngsters with the potential to reach the podium in Rio in seven years.

The first search, Tall and Talented, is looking for men and women aged 15-22 and over 5’ 11” (for women) and 6’ 3” (for men), who could find success in sports such as rowing and basketball. “At the age of 16, I just spent my time watching TV and riding my bike to my friends’ houses. I never dreamed that I would one day be an Olympic Champion,” said Triggs-Hodge, who was part of the men’s four rowing crew that won gold in the Chinese capital last year.

“I got into rowing by chance, and simply as a way of getting fit. Talent 2016 removes the element of luck involved and provides young athletes with a more structured opportunity to realise their sporting potential.”

To sign up for Talent 2016: Tall and Talented, submit your details before November 16 at uksport.gov.uk/talent