YORK City Rowing Club’s Sally Downing has earned a place in the Great Britain sculling team for the Munich Junior International Regatta on May 9 and 10.

Downing has impressed in national competition in recent years, winning medals galore.

From 2012 to 2014, she has won two gold, three silver and three bronze medals in singles, doubles and quadruple sculls at UK National Championships and National Schools regattas. In 2013, she was the British J15 single champion in both events.

A spokesman for York City Rowing Club said: “Getting into the GB squad is tough and Sally has been trialling for 18 months.

“She was ranked 12th in last November’s long-distance trials and that earned her a place in the December junior training camp.

“Sheer grit and determination saw her rise to sixth in February’s long-distance trials, which got her into the Spring Junior Assessments and an outstanding performance there saw her selected for the Munich Regatta.”

Added the spokesman: “Sally is one of only six girls who will be sculling for GB at this event and she will be undergoing further trials as the final line-up of the crews is decided.

"Hard work, dedication and determination has been the foundation of Sally’s success, but she also pays tribute to those coaches at YCRC who have helped her since she first started rowing.

“She says that reaching this level would have been impossible without the commitment and support of Phil Jones, junior co-ordinator and trainer at York City.

“The rowing club is delighted with Sally’s success and wish her the very best of luck at Munich.”