A former Norwich local has won an Olympic medal at her debut games.

Samantha Redgrave, 29, has secured a silver medal after competing in the Women's Four rowing race in Paris on Thursday morning. 

In an agonising final sprint that saw Team GB neck and neck with the Netherlands, it looked as if the Brits could win the race as they pushed for gold.

Sam Redgrave, second from right) catches her breath after securing the siler medalSam Redgrave, second from right) catches her breath after securing the siler medal (Image: John Walton/PA)

But the Netherlands held on to cross the line in six minutes 27.31 seconds – just 0.18secs ahead of the British boat.

Sam Redgrave, who is no relation to former rowing Olympian Sir Steve Redgrave, began her journey to the Olympics while studying for a Chemistry degree at the UEA, and continued to compete in the sport in the following years while working as a clinical support worker at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

Sam Redgrave has won a medal at her debut Olympic gamesSam Redgrave has won a medal at her debut Olympic games (Image: Benedict Tufnell for British Rowing)

Sam Redgrave ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic GamesSam Redgrave ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games (Image: Jacob King/PA Wire)

She made her Team GB debut in 2021 and this was the first Olympic event that she has competed in.

"We are so proud of Sam, a former member of Norwich Rowing Club, for reaching this monumental achievement," posted her former Norwich rowing team on social media.