Grainger in danger of missing Rio Games after partnership dissolved
KATHERINE GRAINGER, reigning Olympic champion, is in danger of missing out on a fifth Games in Rio after revealing that her partnership with Vicky Thornley is over.
The 40-year-old Scot won gold in London with Anna Watkins after three consecutive silver medals and was expected to be selected in the double scull again this summer.
However, her double act with Thornley, of Wales, has failed to set the heather on fire since winning European bronze last year. A disappointing display at the European Championship in Germany earlier this month appears to have been the final straw. “It has put my Olympic place in the balance,” said Grainger. “I’ve never been in this position before, not having a seat in a boat so close to an Olympics, but I don’t want to walk away from it now.”
Grainger, Britain’s most decorated female Olympian alongside swimmer Rebecca Adlington, took a two-year break in the aftermath of the London Games and only returned to action in September 2014. In the absence of the retired Watkins, she was paired with Thornley and the duo finished sixth at the World Championships.
However, their failure to make the podium at the Europeans led to the news, delivered to them on Friday, that their partnership was being dissolved.
British Rowing have stated that Grainger and Thornley will “be given the opportunity to be considered” for a place in the eight, but their hopes of selection appear slim given the fact the existing crew won European gold in Brandenburg.
“The double has been very close to my heart so I’m very sad about the decision,” Grainger added. “Personally and professionally, it is disappointing, but Vicky and I weren’t performing to the right level, so we have to look at the other options. If we can help to make the eight faster, it’s a very exciting opportunity because they are a top-class crew already.”