A FORMER Colwyn Bay woman has been named as one of the top rowers in the world by a leading American website.

Vicky Thornley came in a number seven in row2k.com’s female world rankings after another sensational season on the water as part of the Team GB set-up.

The 29-year-old former Rydal Penrhos School pupil, who gained an Olympic silver medal in the double sculls event alongside the legendary Kathy Grainger, enhance her growing reputation at the World Championships with another silver, where she was narrowly beaten by just 1.5 seconds by Austria’s Magdalena Lobnig despite notching a personal best time.

She followed this up with another silver at the Florida showcase behind Switzerland's Jeannine Gmelin in what has been a glittering career to date.

Allen Boyd, director of sport at Rydal Penrhos, said: “Vicky has enjoyed another wonderful season which has brought with it some sensational results, “Our alumni that go on to achieve international success are an exceptional source of inspiration for our aspiring athletes, with many of them already receiving regional and national squad selections in a variety of sports including rugby, sailing and skiing.

“Hopefully this is just the start of Vicky’s success and everyone at Rydal Penrhos wishes her the very best of luck as she begins to prepare for another challenging campaign next year.”