Rowing: Katherine Grainger compared to legend Sir Steve Redgrave

GREAT Britain Rowing performance director David Tanner has backed Katherine Grainger for Olympic gold in 2012 and believes the 34-year-old possesses the same qualities as Olympic rowing supremo Sir Steve Redgrave.

Grainger, who clinched World Championship gold with Anna Watkins in the women's double sculls in New Zealand at the weekend, has won three successive Olympic silver medals and is desperate to go one better at London 2012.

Tanner said: "Katherine's on mission London, and mission London is a gold medal.

"What's fantastic about her at the moment is her grit and determination.

"It brings back memories of Sir Steve on the men's side. She's she's as hungry as she was when she first came into the team. That's what carries her forward and that's why I think she'll do it this time."

Grainger and Watkins' victory ensured Britain topped the medal table ahead of Germany, with the team's tally of five golds and 11 medals in total making it their most successful World Championships.

"It was an outstanding week of racing," said Tanner.