A SALISBURY hospital worker was left feeling ‘elated’ after she was crowned a double gold medallist in a sport she only took up last summer.

Susan Clements, 37, blitzed past her competitors to secure gold in the Women 30-39 Lightweight 2,000 metre race (7.56.6) and Women 30+ 500 metre sprint (1.49.7), at the English Indoor Rowing Championships last month.

The Harnham athlete, pictured, discovered a passion for the sport after winning the sprint row championships at the Festival of Celebration at Hudson’s Field last year, during the arrival of the Olympic Torch.

After winning the rowing event, part of the 2012 Wiltshire Challenge, Clements was encouraged to enter the English Championships by her fellow competitors that day.

She told the Journal she was stunned by her double triumph in the Manchester Velodrome.

“It was an amazing day and one I’ll never forget,” she said.

“I couldn’t believe it, the moment I discovered I had one, I was elated and surprised. It’s crazy to think that it all started last July.”

Clements, who put herself on a strict nine-week training programme prior to the event, is eager to compete in the British and European Indoor Rowing Championships.

Clements is looking for sponsorship ahead of the above events and if anyone is interested, contact 01722 500534.