Surbiton’s Team GB rower Mo Sbihi may not be fasting this year, but that does not mean he is not hungry – for success.

The 23-year-old Molesey Boat Club man is a regular in Team GB’s men’s eight crew which finished second at the last two World Championships in New Zealand and Slovenia.

The former St Mary’s University student is a devout Muslim and chose not to observe Ramadan this year to concentrate on making the GB team for London.

And he hopes the move can help him and the men’s eight boat – including its strong contingent of Molesey rowers in James Clarke, James Foad and Greg Searle – stand on the top step of the podium in 2012.

“I chose not to fast this year so it wouldn’t affect my preparations for the Olympics and basically there won’t be time to make it up,” he said.

“The scripture says that for every day I miss of fasting I have to either feed 60 people or fast for two months.

“Obviously, I’ve chosen to feed 1,800 people as my punishment – if you like – because otherwise I’d be fasting for five years.

He added: “We’ve got one of the best team set ups in the world, one of the best training centres and one of the best coaching teams.

“If everyone stays healthy I see no reason why we can’t be successful. It would be a dream to have the whole of the Molesey contingent there too.”

The former Hollyfield School student, who only took up the sport aged 15-years-old, maybe a double world silver medallist, but said he could not afford to rest on his laurels with the prospect of medaling on home water on the agenda.

“While I’ve been in the team for the past couple of years, I wouldn’t ever feel I’m comfortable in the boat,” he said.

“I would say I’m still very much on my toes.

“There is a lot of competition for places and that is only a good thing. If I don’t make the Olympics I’ll be cursing that competition.

“But if the fact there are other people pushing for your place means I end up getting a gold medal then obviously I’ll be delighted.”