Former Loughborough University student Jonathan Walton insists it is all systems go for the rest of the season after claiming gold at the British Rowing Championships.

Walton joined the great and the good of British rowing at Nottingham’s Holme Pierrepont National Water Sports Centre this weekend for two days of action-packed sport.

And after sitting out Saturday’s action 25-year-old Walton announced himself with a bang as he helped a Leander Club A quadruple sculls boat win their semi-final in 6:06.68 minutes.

But Walton and co didn’t stop there, going on to shave move than six-and-a-half seconds off that time en route to claiming victory in the showpiece A final.

And with Rio looming large on the horizon Walton was delighted to get his season off to an ideal start.

“Everything went to plan out there, we stepped on through with three races so it was job done,” the former Leicester Rowing Club member said.

“I thought it was almost our race to lose, we were quite confident but you always have to go out there and do it. We came over the line first and that was great."

“It’s the perfect start to the season really. There were three great guys in front of me so hats off to them. It’s all building blocks forward now and hopefully I can get a good solid’s block of training under my belt now this winter."

“Consistency is really crucial, every day is building upon what we’re doing. It’s always going to be tough to get an Olympic spot but I’ve got my eyes on that and trying to be on the plane to Rio."

“We didn’t have it all our way in the final, it was a good race. I’m just looking forward to getting everything going now.”

Also in action over the weekend was fellow Loughborough University alumni Matt Gotrel, who helped Leander Club claim bronze in the coxless fours final on Saturday.

“Our crew was put together at the last minute but we did ok during the day. We just tried to step it up as we went along,” said Gotrel, who was joined by William Satch, Alex Gregory and Tom Ransley.

“It’s been quite challenging on the water, the wind was pretty tricky and I haven’t been back in the boat very long. It takes a bit of time to get used to."

“But personally I feel like it’s been a solid start to the season. You are always a bit unsure. But I’m getting stronger all the time. I’m looking forward to the season ahead.”

As Leander Club launched their ‘Row to Rio’ campaign Jonathan Walton and Matt Gotrel spoke of Leander’s place as the most successful rowing club in the world, with 111 Olympic medals won by its members.