Rowing legend Katherine Grainger gave a heart-felt tribute to the sport’s behind-the-scenes support as she kicked off a world conference on sports science held in Marlow.

Britain’s most successful female rower praised the role of science during her multi medal winning career as she gave the opening speech at the forum at Bisham Abbey this weekend.

The 39-year-old - who announced she will continue in the sport after her gold medal success at London 2012 - addressed a room full of experts in world rowing performance.

She said: "My career has been longer than I planned and more successful than I ever expected.

"A lot of that is down to the sports science and medicine support I have received. These people have helped me go out and convert my dreams."

Delegates at the Marlow conference heard two days of presentations from global experts on topics as diverse as injury prevention and the role of big data in improving performance.

During the speech, Grainger spoke of her decision to get back in training after taking time away from rowing following her OIympic winning efforts at Dorney Lake.

And while the Marlow Rowing Club member hasn’t revealed if she intends to compete for a place in the boat for Rio 2016, she said she is overjoyed to have picked up her oars once again.

She said: "I love what I do. I love rowing. To be back in the squad and part of a sport which is full of incredibly motivated and inspiring people who are all focussed on something very simple. It is the most exciting world to be in.

"It’s hard but it challenges me. I know that I am pushing the barriers and the boundaries. But I love the challenge and I felt I could step up and take on the mission."