People from Wells are being urged to cheer on alocal athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympics which starts today.

Wells rower Annie Campbell-Orde will race in the women's eight as part of a 42-strong rowing squad who have been selected, across ten boats, to represent Team GB.

Having trialled for GB for a few years but never able to break through into the senior team, the 28-year-old has timed her rise to perfection and will make her debut at Paris 2024.

"I'm not sure how to put it into words but I'm incredibly proud to be going to the Olympics," said Campbell-Orde. "It feels like all of the hard work has already paid off.

"I probably didn't always believe that it would happen. I think with all sport, you never quite know what's going to happen and you have to turn up every day and keep going.

"The people around me have given me the strength to carry on and they have got me here."

Campbell-Orde was part of the eight that won World Cup gold at Lucerne last year, European silver and secured Olympic qualification with fourth place at the World Championships.

She will sit at the front in the all-important stroke seat and will be joined in the boat by Heidi Long, Rowan McKellar, Holly Dunford, Emily Ford, Lauren Irwin, Eve Stewart, Hattie Taylor and cox Henry Fieldman.

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Bonding off the water has been crucial to the team's recent success with the crew taking part in yoga sessions, aerial silks classes and trust exercises.

"We've done some stuff as a crew recently that has been really fun," said Long. "We have got to know each other in different ways, been our vulnerable selves and had a good time together."

Campbell-Orde will benefit from Aldi's Nearest & Dearest programme in Paris, which helps maximise support and minimise potential distractions for athletes so that they can focus on their performance and make the most of the unique opportunity to compete on one of the world's largest stages.

Campbell-Orde is also joined in the squad by Trull's Rebecca Wilde, who will compete in the women's double sculls at the National Olympic Nautical Stadium of Île-de-France.

Of the 23 women and 19 men, 50% are making their Olympic debut and 50% are returning Olympians, including two-time Olympic gold medallist Helen Glover.

"The Olympic experience in this squad is huge, and I have no doubt it will be an asset to those rowers who will make their Olympic debut in Paris this summer," said Team GB Chef de Mission Mark England.

"Our rowers have posted some outstanding results this season and I am sure the crews will relish the opportunity to showcase their talent in front of their friends, family, and Team GB fans."

Glover, who will be part of the women's four, is aiming to become the first British mum-of-three to win an Olympic medal.

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Glover said: "A huge reason for aiming for Paris was thinking how great it will be to have my family there to watch and support me and being able to share all of this with them is so special."

By Tom Harle, Sportsbeat

Aldi are proud Official Partners of Team GB & ParalympicsGB, supporting all athletes through to Paris 2024