Katie Greves says Britain’s women’s eight should be inspired by their gymnastic colleagues after reaching the Olympic final at Eton Dorney on Tuesday.

Greves, from Wallingford, and her crew including five others with Oxfordshire connections, will compete for a medal on Wednesday after finishing fourth in the repechage.

It was not easy for them, but they saw off Germany for the last qualifying spot in 6mins 28.58secs.

“I think watching the British men’s gymnastics team win bronze can inspire us,” said Greves.

“They absolutely nailed every bit of their floor routine.

“We have got to take inspiration from them and bring out our A game on the day.”

Greves added: “It is really exciting to be in the Olympic final. We rowed a lot better off the start, but didn’t manage to put our best together through the middle of the race.

“We have always been a crew who tend to bring out our best rowing in the final. Hopefully, that is what we are going to do.”

Cox and Oxford Mail columnist Caroline O’Connor, said: “Of course we want to win every race we are in, but we had a much better start than we had in the heat.

“We have just got a few more things to get right. Once you are in the final, anyone can contend for medals.

“We are there now and have been contending with and beating these other crews, so there is no reason why it is not possible.”

How did the Oxford Academy teacher cope with the noise of the crowd as she attempted to give out her orders?

O’Connor said: “The girls say they can still hear me, but you are competing not only with the other coxes, but with thousands of people as well.

“Don’t get me wrong, there is going to be nothing better than hearing that noise in the Olympic final and knowing that pretty much everyone is shouting for you.”

As for her pupils and fellow teachers, she added: “I really hope they are proud of me. A few of my colleagues are here watching today.

“Hopefully, on August 2 I can do something to make them very proud.”

Wallingford RC member Lindsey Maguire, who is also in the women's eight, said: “The US are definitely favourites, but we know what we can do on our best day and you can’t believe that anyone is unbeatable.

“We have to produce absolutely our best race.”