Olympic rowing champion Mark Hunter has identified Mohamed Sbihi as the country’s new talisman after several high-profile recent retirements from the sport.

London's Sbihi, 29, won gold at the Rio 2016 Olympics as part of the coxless four, and was also part of the men’s eight that won bronze four years previously in London.

British rowing has lost a number of senior stars in the aftermath of Rio 2016, with Alex Gregory and George Nash, both part of the triumphant four-strong crew in Brazil, stepping down from the sport in the past few months.

Triple Olympic champion Andrew Triggs Hodge announced his retirement from international competition last month, with former world champion and Olympic silver medallist Chris Bartley another athlete leaving the sport in the past year.

Frances Houghton and Heather Stanning are two high-profile women’s names who have also called time on the sport.

Now Hunter, who won gold in the men’s lightweight double sculls at Beijing 2008 and silver at London 2012, believes Sbihi will be the member of the squad who will be the squad’s new leader.

“What [coach] Jurgen Grobler does really well is he has the older guys and the younger guys, and when the older guys finish, the younger guys who have rowed with them have learned enough to keep that mantle going,” said Hunter.

“You’ve got Mo Sbihi, who is in the team and will take that mantle forward – he’s an exceptional athlete as well and definitely the man to look for to lead the team in future.

“We have a culture of winning in British rowing now – it’s a medal factory and that’s the way it’s looked at. That’s due to the culture we have internally and things in place for athletes who train.

“Funding plays a big part in that and we’re very lucky to have it – we have to acknowledge that without that support behind the scenes, you wouldn’t be able to become a full-time athlete.

“That does help athletes tremendously because they can focus on their training.

“It’s all there for the athletes, it’s been done before – we’re not trying to reinvent the wheel, they know what it takes, they’ve seen it happen in previous games and it’s up to the next stars of the future to step up.”

Hunter was speaking at the launch event for Silverstone Classic 2017, the world’s largest classic car show which will take place from July 28-30.

He will be competing in the Silverstone Classic Celebrity Challenge Trophy Race alongside the likes of fellow rowing greats Jonny and Greg Searle and Sir Steve Redgrave as well as six-time Olympic cycling champion Jason Kenny, winter Olympic skeleton champion Amy Williams and Dragons’ Den star Theo Paphitis.

Off the track, the live music will feature former Spandau Ballet frontman Tony Hadley, as well as sets by top tribute acts the Bootleg Beatles, Who’s Next and the Dire Straits Experience.

And Hunter admitted he couldn’t wait to get involved with this year’s event.

“I’m looking forward to the race, it’s something very different to what I’m used to,” he added.

“In rowing we have our own lanes, no on can intervene or impede you whereas on a race track you can go where you want to.

“When you retire, you’re always looking for something new to challenge you and to learn a new skill. I want to see what it’s like to be on the track and under pressure.”

The Silverstone Classic (28-30 July, 2017) provides the best historic motor racing, impressive track parades, infield displays from over 100 car clubs, live music, plus interactive driving activities and dynamic demonstrations over a packed three-day weekend.  For further details: www.silverstoneclassic.com