Gold medal heroine Stanning straining to get back into boat after Afghan tour

The 28-year-old Army officer has been forced to train on rowing machines to keep in shape, but is now focused on earning a place in the team for the 2016 Games.

While many soldiers would be looking forward to a chance to relax and unwind, Captain Stanning is turning her attention to the Team GB rowing trials later this month as she aims to compete in Rio.

Asked what it was like to train in the Afghan desert, she said: “It was pretty hot and dusty, and when the sandstorms came up you could really feel the dust in your lungs. It was challenging.

“I was based in Camp Bastion, and there are a few good gyms there so I had the kit to keep fit.

“I’ve spent an awful lot of time on the rowing machine in the last six months and I’m looking forward to getting back on the water.”

Capt Stanning’s job was to plan and manage the sorties and tasking of the Army’s “eye-in-the-sky” unmanned aircraft, which provide intelligence for British and Afghan troops on the ground.

Capt Stanning made history when she and teammate Helen Glover became the first British female rowers to win an Olympic title. Following their triumph
in the coxless pairs – winning Team GB’s first gold medal of London 2012 – Capt Stanning returned to her career with the Royal Artillery.