AN Olympic gold medal winning oarswoman returns to her former university to help inspire the next generation of rowers, at the weekend (NOV 4).

Sophie Hosking won gold in the women’s lightweight double sculls with rowing partner Kat Copeland, from Teesside, at the Olympic regatta at Eton Dorney, in early August.

The 26-year-old former Durham University chemistry and physics student will make a brief return to the city to try out some of the latest rowing training equipment which will named in her honour.

During her visit to the university’s Graham Sports Centre, at Maiden Castle, she will be rowing and sharing tips with pupils from local schools as well as university students.

She will be joined by fellow Durham graduates and international rowers, including bronze medallist, Stephen Rowbotham, London 2012 finalist, Louisa Reeve, and GB rower and Rio Olympics hopeful, Emily Taylor.

The highpoint of Sunday’s visit will see her unveil a plaque on the university’s indoor powered rowing tank, one of only three in the country and part of the London 2012 sporting legacy.

It is being re-named The Sophie Hosking Rowing Tank.

Her gold medal was not the first in her family as her father, David Hosking, also rowed for Durham University as a student and went onto win at the  1980 World Rowing Championships in Britain's lightweight eight crew.

Ms Hosking said: “My time at Durham University helped form the athlete that I am now.

“In my time the rowing programme at Durham was professional and successful and it was a motivating place to train for three years.

"Choosing to study and row at Durham will always be a fundamental part of me wining Gold at the Olympics.”

The rowing tank was supported by a £500,000 grant from Sport England’s Iconic Facilities fund as part of the London 2012 sporting legacy for the university and the North of England.