Scottish rowing star Katherine Grainger has officially confirmed that she will continue competing until London 2012 in a bid to add a gold medal to the three silvers she has won at the last three Olympics.

The 33-year-old from Aberdeen is determined to make one last stab at the medal that has frustratingly eluded her.

Her women’s quadruple scull (with Annie Vernon, Debbie Flood and Frances Houghton) were tipped to win in Beijing earlier this year, but were pipped at the post after a late surge from the Chinese team.

Despite the disappointment, Grainger became the first British woman in any sport to medal at three consecutive Games.

Grainger told the BBC: “I knew I could only do it again, realistically, if I was at the peak of my abilities.

"It's not a decision I've taken lightly. One of the people I talked to was the head doctor and physio to see if physically it was possible, but everyone's come back very positive and the level I need to be at is very achievable.

"I did look at different options. I'm still studying my PhD and I had a few different avenues that I was looking into, but, like a lot of successful athletes, you have this incredible drive and you want to channel that in the right direction."