Cawthorn's chance

23-year-old goes for glory in 500 metre canoe sprint

Last Updated: August 9, 2012 8:09am

Rachel Cawthorn: Medal chance

Rachel Cawthorn will attempt to add to Team GB's medal haul on Thursday when she races in the women's 500 metre canoe sprint.

The 23-year-old from Guildford showed impressive form in the early rounds on Tuesday, winning her heat comfortably and then qualifying automatically after coming second in her semi-final.

Cawthorn had wanted to concentrate on the K4 event but after a disappointing fifth in yesterday's final, she will be looking to snatch a medal in the individual race.

The former European champion is in lane seven, which is less exposed to the lake's harsh cross wind, and will hope to make an early impression against Italy's Josefa Idem when the race starts at 10.15am.

The 47-year-old former gold medallist is competing in her eighth Olympic Games, having first raced in Los Angeles in 1984. She beat Cawthorn in the semi-final.

Cawthorn said: "I have one more chance to go out there and put down my best race and see what happens."