Olympic champion Katherine Grainger not yet assured of Rio berth
By Dev Trehan
Last Updated: 09/06/16 10:24pm
Katherine Grainger has been made to wait before learning whether or not she will be selected for her fifth Olympic Games.
The British Olympic Association on Thursday announced the names of 43 of the 47 rowers to compete for Team GB in Rio in August.
The 40-year-old, who claimed a first Olympic gold in London after silvers in three prior Games, was seeking selection in the women's double scull with Vicky Thornley, but the names to compete in that boat are still to be confirmed.
The pair had also explored the opportunity of being part of the women's eights but British Rowing performance director Sir David Tanner has since confirmed that is no longer an option.
He said: "We did some testing at the beginning of this week to see whether or not the double of Katherine Grainger and Vicky Thornley could, at their request, make a slot for themselves in the women's eight. That was not to be.
"It's my confident intention to announce very soon those two back in their double and racing for Team GB at the Olympic Games."
Grainger's four Olympic medals puts her level with swimmer Rebecca Adlington, who has two gold and two bronze medals. A fifth medal of any colour would give her a cumulative British record in Rio.
And women's coach Paul Thompson says Grainger's focus on success in Rio is as steadfast as ever.
"Katherine is very feisty at the moment and very single minded," he said.
"She, in her mind, is definitely looking forward and she hasn't stepped away from her ambition at all.
"This has eliminated all other opportunities, so that's their chance and we've got to help them make sure it happens."
Olympic champions Helen Glover and Heather Stanning, who won Britain's first gold medal of London 2012, will aim to defend their title in the women's pair.
Alex Gregory, who won gold in the men's four at London, is joined in the same boat by Mohamed Sbihi, George Nash and Constantine Louloudis. All three won bronze in the eight in London.
A further group of 12 sweep (single oar) rowers have been named to form the men's eight, pair and two reserves.
Pete Reed and Andrew Triggs Hodge, who won gold medals at Beijing 2008 and London 2012, have been named in the group.
Katherine Copeland, who won the women's double scull with Sophie Hosking four years ago, will seek to defend her title with Charlotte Taylor.
