Olympic gold medallist opens new rowing tank

Great Britain's Sophie Hosking (right) and Katherine Copeland celebrate winning gold in the final of the lightweight women's double sculls Credit: Press Association Images

Olympic rower and gold medallist, Sophie Hosking, has returned to Durham University to officially open a new indoor rowing tank named after her.

Sophie, who studied at the University, won gold with her rowing partner Kat Copeland in the London Olympics.

The rowing tank was supported by a £500k grant from Sport England to form part of the London 2012 sporting legacy.

It is designed to simulate the movement and feel of a boat through water.

Durham's rowers have won more than 100 international vests since 2004, including those won by Stephen Rowbotham and Emily Taylor who had never rowed until they started their degree at Durham University.

Peter Warburton, the Dean of Experience at the University, is hoping the new facility will add to that success.