"We thought we'd be in the medals but didn't know what colour"

Isle of Wight rower, Annie Caddick, has won a European gold medal, boosting her hopes for the Paralympics, which start at the end of August.

Together with crewmate Samuel Murray, she claimed a maiden major title in the PR3 mixed double sculls, in Szeged, Hungary, held between April 25 and 28.

The British double were last in the first 500 metres of the 2000m course, but surged past their German, French and Ukrainian rivals to claim a dramatic victory, by a margin of 1.73 seconds.

Annie grew up on the Island and was a lifeguard in Ryde. She started rowing while studying at the University of Birmingham.

She has cerebral palsy and found the sport gave her a chance to keep up with her teammates, ensuring she is treated as an equal.

Success, with partner Samuel, comes just months before the class makes its Paralympic debut, in Paris.

"It's very exciting," said Annie.

"There were bits that took us off guard, but I think we handled them well.

"We thought we'd be in the medals but didn't know what colour it would be for us."

The weather conditions made for a tough challenge.

Annie said: "It's our first-ever win as a crew and for it to be a European championship is mad."

In 2023, Caddick and Murray won bronze at the European Championships and finished fourth at the World Championships.

This time around, "We just trusted the training we've done through the winter and have a really strong middle of the race," said Samuel.

"Credit to Annie for putting out a really strong rhythm."

"We're still working really hard and we know we haven't hit our ceiling yet."

Overall, the wider GB Rowing Team finished top of the medal table with eight golds, one silver and one bronze.

The Paralympics take place between August 28 and September 6.

CLICK HERE to find out more about British Rowing, which is the governing body for the sport.

It is responsible for the development of rowing in England and the training and selection of rowers to represent Great Britain.

The GB Rowing Team is supported by the National Lottery Sports Fund.