Double Olympic champion Pete Reed has hailed the upcoming Dorney World Cup regatta as rowing's Olympic legacy in action.
Nailsworth Naval officer Reed won his second Olympic gold medal on Dorney Lake last year, and will return to the scene of his London 2012 triumph to race in the men's eight.
And with the international event looking to be a sell-out, the 31-year-old is hoping the remarkably successful GB Rowing team can continue to inspire a generation.
"This is our legacy," said the former Deer Park School pupil.
"If we can inspire the new generations of youngsters to at least be active then that's mission accomplished.
"And that will have knock on effects for the NHS in 30 years' time and if we're a healthier, more active nation then it will be good for sport and it will good for the country."
The Olympic legacy is booming in Gloucestershire.
Gloucester Rowing Club have seen membership climb from 170 to 245 in the wake of the Olympics, and that is not including more than 200 people who have taken part in Learn2Row courses, with the view to joining the club in the future.
Increases in rowing participation can be seen all over the country.
Reed has praised team-mate Nathaniel Reilly O'Donnell, rowing in the men's four, who has masterminded a scheme encouraging businesses to buy tickets for groups of school pupils.
As a result more than 1,500 children will head to Eton Dorney, near Windsor, for the opening day of the regatta.
British Rowing expect up to 5,500 people through the gates each day, from Friday, June 21 to Sunday, June 23.
Reed said: "We don't necessarily want to inspire people to be Olympic champions right now.
"We just want them to enjoy being active, to go outside and play and not be stuck inside on a games console."
Reed won gold in Beijing 2008 in the men's four and fought off a strong challenge from Australia and extraordinary pressure to repeat the glorious feat last summer.
The 6ft 6in powerhouse did not hesitate in fully committing to the challenge of another Olympiad to search for a third Olympic title.
"I didn't have any hesitation in coming back to the sport," he said.
"I have amazing support from the Royal Navy, I have support from my wife, and I'm in a very lucky position to be doing what I love every day."
But Reed, who has one of the largest lung capacities ever recorded at 11.68 litres, has said he will not start thinking about the golden opportunities that Rio 2016 offers just yet.
"I'm not focused on Rio," he said.
"After you make that commitment to the rowing team, you're not just back for a year, and I'm not just focusing on the World Championships this season.
"But Rio is way in the back of my mind, and I think if I thought about what that meant now, I could go crazy. At the moment I'm thinking about the Dorney World Cup in two weeks' time.
"They are the small bites that lead you on the way there.
"Of course I've committed to Rio and I'll do everything I can to be in the best shape and in the best crew possible to win there.
"But for now I'm going to think about how I can improve every day."
For more information about the World Cup and tickets, visit www.wrcupetondorney2013.com.
