MORGAN Baynham-

Williams (pictured) insists the future of the British women's eight is in safe hands after she coxed them to a podium finish at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival.

While her compatriots jumped straight into the action Down Under, 18-year-old Morgan, a former Newent Community School pupil, had to wait until Sunday to strut her stuff at the Sydney Regatta Centre.

Despite the long wait that is exactly what she did – as the Ross Rowing Club cox led the women's eight across the line in 6:41.71 minutes.

It was far from straightforward however, as they trailed in fourth heading into the final stages of the race and needed a photo finish to secure their bronze medal.

But once a place on the podium had been secured Baynham-Williams was quick to look to the future, insisting it is very bright indeed.

"I am really happy to have won this bronze medal as it was a really tough race," she said.

"Everyone put their all into it and we put ourselves on the line.

"We had to dig deep right at the end to make sure we got a medal and everyone tried as hard as they could. That is all you can ask.

"We can learn a lot from this regatta. We came together quickly and I am confident that we can continue to improve."

This was Morgan's first taste of an Olympic-style event and she admitted the success left her hungry for more.

"With me only in the one event I had some time to take it all in and just what a massive event the Australian Youth Olympic Festival is," she added.

"It is great to represent Team GB with the Olympic rings on your kit. Now I have done it I just want to do it again and again."

The British Olympic Association prepares and leads British athletes at the summer, winter and youth Olympic Games.

It works in partnership with the sport's national governing bodies to enhance Olympic success and is responsible for championing the Olympic values.