A WELLS rower has reached the final of the women’s eight rowing category after finishing first in her heat in Paris.

Annie Campbell-Orde, 28, was victorious yesterday (Monday, July 29) as she helped Team GB successfully qualify for the Olympic final.

Who will join Team GB in the final is still yet to be decided, as a ‘repechage’ is taking place, which means that teams that were knocked out earlier on now have another chance to qualify for the final.

One of the teams competing in the women’s eight repechage is 2020 Tokyo Olympic gold medallists, Australia.

Australia is still considered one of the favourites to win the gold medal after narrowly finishing second to Campbell-Orde’s GB side yesterday.

These games are Annie’s first time as an Olympian, and she has proven her strong ability as a rower.

Annie will compete in the final of the women’s eight on August 3.

Competing for Nottingham Rowing Club at club level, Campbell-Orde grew up in Wells.

Her career started by playing netball at Millfield before going on to Loughborough University to try and play netball internationally.

The Olympian was on the verge of giving up rowing in 2022, before giving it one last shot by spending her time learning at Leander Club.

Rowing has been a huge success for Team GB so far, as the men’s eight also qualified for their Olympic final - finishing first in their heat as well.

If you want to watch the Wells-born Olympian’s attempt to win gold, then you can tune in to BBC One on August 3 at 11am, with Olympics coverage from 8am.