Thornley Banks European Gold In Czech Republic

Vicky Thornley was crowned European single sculls champ after powering to the gold medal in the Czech Republic.

The Wrexham rowing ace triumphed in Racice after clocking seven minutes 34.230 seconds.

Thornley held off a determined late burst from 44-year-old Belarusian Ekaterina Karsten, thew two-time Olympic champion.

The 29-year-old won Olympic silver in the double sculls with Katherine Grainger in Rio last year.

Grainger retired after last summer’s Games but Thornley has opted to continue and set her sights on gold in Tokyo 2020.

Thornley, who finished runner-up at the opening World Cup regatta in Belgrade, said before the Europeans: “I don’t think I’ve shown my potential internationally.

“I was the best I’ve ever been in Rio, but I feel I could be better.

“It’s all about the Olympic Games and they only come round every four years.

“That’s what I’ve committed to. It’s a long way off, but hopefully I can improve on my medal from Rio.”