09 March 2020

Great Britain's Vicky Thornley aims for single scull at Tokyo 2020

Great Britain's Vicky Thornley says she is aiming to compete at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, but this time in the single scull. 

The 32 year-old won silver in the double scull at Rio 2016 and finished fifth at London 2012. 

Speaking to BBC Wales, she said: "It's kind of always been my dream I've always looked at the single scullers over the years I've been rowing and just thought I'd love to be quick enough to be competitive for a medal in the single and then ultimately at the Olympic Games. 

"I love the experiences I had in a crew boat and I would have never changed them because they've made me the athlete I am today but this is the ultimate dream for me. 

"I know the enormity of what the Olympics means and the emotions it brings out in you."

With Tokyo 2020 now only four months away, Thornley is confident she is already fit and ready for the challenge ahead of her.

"I do feel physically that I'm at my best and also mentally because I've gone through those times before," she added.

"I want to do better than I did last time but I know how difficult that is but every Olympics is special and you never know what your next one will be or your last one is going to be so it's all about that one being the most important one at the time.

"But obviously I want to show what all those years of training has done on the biggest stage on the biggest day."

The best videos delivered daily

Watch the stories that matter, right from your inbox