Thornley Pulls Out Of Europeans To Focus On Worlds

Vicky Thornley has withdrawn from the European Rowing Championships in Glasgow revealing she is not at her “physical best”.

The reigning women’s single sculls champion has had a disappointing season after failing to make the World Cup regattas in Belgrade and Linz.

Thornley was knocked out of Henley Royal Regatta at the semifinal stage by Australia’s Madeline Edmunds.

The 30-year-old from St Asaph will now focus on the World Championships in Plovdiv, Bulgaria in September.

“It’s hugely disappointing not to be competing in Glasgow this week, not just because I won’t be able to defend my title, but it’s also a rare opportunity to compete in front of a home crowd,” said Thornley.

“Unfortunately, I’m not currently in a position to perform at my physical best at the European Championships.

“I have to look at the big picture, which means being able to race in peak condition at the world championships in September .

“I’ll be cheering on my team-mates from home and look forward to pulling on my GB vest again soon.”

Thornley moved into the single sculls after winning silver alongside Katherine Grainger in the women’s double sculls at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

But her displays this year have contrasted sharply with last year when she followed up her European title in Racice, Czech Republic, with silver at the world championships in Sarasota, Florida.