The rowing federations of East and West Germany met in July to discuss how their rowers should be represented.

FISA did not recognise East Germany as a country and insisted on one German team per boat class.

For the men who were to compete at the inaugural World Rowing Championships in Switzerland some weeks later, selection trials were agreed on.

They asked the British crew, who had a room in the boat house adjacent to the regatta course, whether they could use their beds between the finals races.

Having won bronze in the coxed four, the Romanians were given "Vitamin C" injections by their doctors while using the British accommodation; or so they told their hosts.