Olympian aims to deliver in new role as chairwoman of UK Sport

Dame Katherine Grainger believes taking on one of the most influential positions in British sport has more than helped fill the void of competitive action.

The five-time Olympic medallist, who grew up in Aberdeenshire, was appointed as the new chairwoman of UK Sport in April.

Grainger was in Scotland this week for the first time in her official capacity, visiting the new national curling academy in Stirling and meeting some of the athletes as they prepare for next year’s Olympic Winter Games at Pyeongchang in South Korea.

The 41-year-old, who won silver in rowing’s double sculls at the Rio 2016 Olympics, is relishing her new role.

She said: “I finished in Rio, and I knew in my heart that was it.

“But it’s weird – after Roy Hodgson is the new Crystal Palace manager in place of the sacked Frank de Boer.

The former England manager said he is: “Looking forward” to working with the Eagles players.

Hodgson, pictured, emerged as the clear frontrunner for the Palace role even before the 1-0 defeat at Burnley on Sunday which sealed De Boer’s fate.

Palace are the first team in England’s top division to lose their opening four games without scoring a goal since Preston 93 years ago.

The 70-year-old’s appointment was confirmed by Palace officials last night and Hodgson said: “I haven’t met them (the players) yet but I am looking forward to working with them.

“They did very well last season especially towards the end of the season, so I’ve got no reason to believe they can’t do it again.”