by Alex Hoad at Eton Dorney

Ashford rower Tom Ransley is an Olympic bronze medallist after a dramatic men’s eight final at Eton Dorney on Wednesday afternoon.

The 26-year-old (pictured) was in the Great Britain boat which produced a storming performance, taking the lead in the second half of the race.

It was imperative that TeamGB made a fast start to keep pace with the Germans – who had already beaten Britain to gold in two World Cup Series events this year.

They made the start they needed and were within half a length of the German crew for the first 1,000m before edging ahead as they began to chase for the finishing line.

But the Germans found an extra gear and were able to re-take the lead and Britain, having given everything in pursuit of gold, were finally overhauled by the fast-finishing defending Olympic champions Canada.

Arch-rivals Germany, unbeaten in the discipline since 2009, were simply too strong but GB held on at the finish to stay ahead of the Netherlands, Australia and USA to claim bronze.

Ransley grew up in Ashford and is a former pupil from Canterbury's King's School. His Olympic campaign began on Saturday morning as Britain finished second to Germany in the heats.

As a result, the Germans went straight through to the final, while Britain were left to race in the men’s repechage.

However, Ransley and the team stormed to victory in the second race on Monday, finishing ahead of the Netherlands, Australia and Canada, who all secured their places in the final which proved a nailbiting affair.