Katherine Grainger faces Olympic sweat over her place in Rio

Katherine Grainger, left, in action with Vicky Thornley. Picture: Philipp Schmidli/Getty Images

The British Olympic Association today announced the names of 43 of the 47 rowers to compete for Team GB in Rio in August.

The 40-year-old Grainger, who at London 2012 claimed a first Olympic gold at the fourth attempt 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 names of two spares are also to be announced.

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 London 2012 gold in the men’s four, 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.

British Rowing performance director Sir David Tanner 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.”

Scottish heritage: for stories on Scotland’s people, places and past >>