Copeland to defend Olympic title

Olympic rowing champion Kat Copeland has put plans to retire on hold and confirmed she intends defend her title at the Rio Games in 2016.

Copeland and Sophie Hosking were one of the surprise successes at London 2012 this summer after they won gold in the women's lightweight double sculls despite starting to compete together just four months before.

And although Copeland revealed shortly afterwards she was considering ending her rowing career to pursue a degree at university, the 21-year-old is now determined to compete in four years' time.

"University is important, but I can go any time," she told BBC Sport.

"As a rower you have a limited lifespan so I want to make the most of it.

"Before London, I said we had no pressure and had nothing to lose because people weren't expecting us to win gold.

"But after winning gold, I still don't feel any pressure because I got what I wanted. I'm continuing because I love to row."

Fellow champions Heather Stanning, Helen Glover, Pete Reed and Alex Gregory have also confirmed their intentions to compete in Brazil.