Katherine Grainger and Anna Watkins win gold in women's double sculls

Britain's Katherine Grainger (right) and Anna Watkins celebrate winning gold in the women's double sculls. Credit: Stephen Pond/PA Wire

Katherine Grainger shed tears of joy as she collected the Olympic gold medal that had so painfully eluded her for 12 years. The 36-year-old Scot was already Britain's most successful rower, having won three consecutive Olympic silver medals.

Today's triumph with partner Anna Watkins in the double sculls was the fulfilment of a ground-breaking rowing career.

The winning pair have won two world titles and now an Olympic medal over three unbeaten years. They were cheered on by a raucous 30,000 strong crowd at Eton's Dorney Lake. An emotional Grainger said afterwards she was overwhelmed with her home win.

The pair finished a length and a half clear of nearest rivals Australia. In the heats earlier today they set a new Olympic record, finishing four seconds ahead of Australia.

Katherine Grainger (right) and Anna Watkins in action in their heat of the women's double sculls. Credit: Press Association

After the triumph of Helen Glover and Heather Stanning in the women's pair, British rowing now has its second set of Olympic champions in the space of three days.

The pair told ITV News their triumphant victory was a tough race. Watkins said the home crowd made the second half of the race much easier. Grainger said winning her gold medal in front of a home crowd was "more special than I could ever hope it to be." The pair hoped said the result was "still sinking in."