LONDON 2012 hopeful Victoria Thornley has made Great Britain rowing history.

Thornley, from Holt, was part of the women’s eight that demolished the field at the World Under 23s Championships in the Czech Republic.

They are the first GB women’s eight crew to win a gold medal at world level and their stunning success continues rookie Thornley’s incredible rise in the sport.

The 21-year-old only started rowing 19 months ago after being handpicked by UK Sport’s Sporting Giants programme, which was formed to identify tall people who may excel at specific Olympic sports. But the 6ft 3ins former British international showjumper now has a Henley Regatta sculls title and a world title to her name.

Now part of GB Rowing’s Siemens-backed World Class Start Programme, Thornley has a growing confidence in her ability to compete at the highest level as she prepares to step up to international senior trials in October.

“It was a surreal experience being in contention for a gold medal,” she said. “But having spoken to the other more experienced girls in the crew and having beaten the favourites USA to win when we only hoped to medal, I have a greater belief in myself that I can be a successful rower.”

The former Bishop Heber High School student, who spent her gap year attempting to launch a modelling career, turned her back on a place at university in London to move to Bath and dedicate herself to becoming an elite rower after her inclusion on the Sporting Giants programme.

She is currently rowing for Minerva Rowing Club in Bath, where she is now based, and is trained by Paul Stannard.

Thornley, who is supported by sponsorship from Chester and Wrexham-based Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants, knows she will need to raise her game to establish herself in the senior squad with the Olympic Games just over two years away.

“I have not reached the speeds that the senior rowers do yet,” she said. “But I have an intense winter training programme planned to get me where I need to be for the first senior trials in October. My hope is that I can do well enough to earn a call back to December’s trials and gradually improve my speed throughout the winter.”