Local Rower Wins Silver

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Disappointment for Brentford based Annie Vernon

Britain's women's quadruple sculls including Brentford based Annie Vernon just missed out on their bid to become the country's first women's rowing gold.

Katherine Grainger, Annie Vernon, Debbie Flood and Frances Houghton looked possible winners until a late surge by the Chinese crew snatched victory.

Great Britain won silver in event in the last two Olympic regattas and were World Champions. With an impressive performance in the heats, beating Olympic Champions Germany, the crew felt that they could win gold.

Annie said after the race, "We're so disappointed. I feel so empty."

25 year old Annie who rows for the Marlow club is already a World U23 bronze medallist. As the youngest member of the crew she is very likely to feature in the 2012 London Olympics.

September 11, 2008