Thornley Gets Call Up For Rio

Vicky Thornley will be going to Rio and being named in the women’s double scull with Katherine Grainger.

The duo were originally not named in the rowing squad after their partnership was broken up after some disappointing results and they did not make the women’s eight.

But St Asaph’s Thornley can now look forward to her second Games after the duo were handed their tickets to Brazil this summer.

The 28-year-old said: “I am very proud to be selected for Rio 2016 in the double with Katherine.

“I am really looking forward to putting the next building blocks in place.

“Racing with the Union Flag on my chest at my second Olympic Games will be very special and I can’t wait.”

Thornley finished fifth on her Games debut in the women’s eight.

Grainger is Team GB’s most decorated female Olympian with three silver medals from Sydney 2000, Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 and gold from London 2012 to her name.

“It is an amazing feeling to be selected to represent your country at the Olympic Games,” said Grainger.

“That feeling doesn’t diminish the second, third, fourth or even fifth time round!

“I am proud to have been selected into the women’s double with Vicky and look forward with confidence to the next few weeks of training camps where we can make huge strides towards our goal of competing for a medal in Rio.”