Fortunately for rowing, there are many who present themselves for a chance to train at the national centres. Rowers not up to standard do not travel. For various reasons the rowing team is not lacking in motivation. Brian Richardson, upon arrival from Australia in 1993, was amazed at the amount of work the team was prepared to do. A tradition of work ethic permeates the team.
Preparation is everything.
This is part of the national team culture. Everyone is there for the same reason. It is a culture few clubs can achieve. An atmosphere of intense daily competition between a group of rowers aiming to win at the world level is not easily duplicated elsewhere. Clubs may have a good rower or two, but this alone is not enough to produce the competitive edge required to win.