Katherine Grainger has hinted at calling it quits after she became Britain's most decorated female Olympian by taking silver alongside Victoria Thornley in the rowing double sculls.
The 40-year-old Scot, who struck gold in London 2012, wrote her name into the record books by winning a fifth medal to move ahead of swimmer Rebecca Adlington in the list of successful female Olympians.
After coming out of retirement to take a fourth silver to add to those won at Sydney, Athens and Beijing she promised her mother and father that she will not "put them through" another Olympic tournament.
Glasgow-born Grainger, and Welsh rower Thornley, 28, who were not in the initial GB squad announced in June, had led for much of the race but were beaten to the gold medal by the Polish crew who overtook them in the final 300m.
Read more: Grainger follows her dream to win silver
Grainger who admits winning a fifth medal was the "biggest challenge" of her career said: "I don't think we could have done anymore, we put every element into it and really gave it everything we had.
"We had to find something really big at the end there to hold onto the medal and I'm so pleased we did.
"There have of course been many, many dark days when I couldn't see this happening so to be standing in the Rio sunshine with a medal around my neck is amazing. But regarding Tokyo 2020 – mum and dad, I promise I won't put you through it again."
Grainger had been in danger of missing out on a fifth Games after she and Thornley were not originally among the 43 rowers named in the Team GB squad on June 9.
Read more: Grainger follows her dream to win silver
Their partnership was dissolved after they failed to make the podium at this year's European Championships in May.
They both tested for the women's eight but fell short of their team-mates' times and were made to wait before being confirmed in the squad for the double sculls.
In their first race since their partnership was resumed in mid-June, the duo finished fifth at the World Cup in Poznan.
"There is a sense of disappointment that we didn't hold on but it is the most incredible result that I am so proud of because a few weeks ago no-one would have ever expected that from us," added the Scot.
Read more: Grainger follows her dream to win silver
“I don’t think you ever feel like you are going to win but we were ahead and felt good and then you come down very quickly.
"It was certainly a dramatic race."
Her mother Liz, speaking from her home in Edinburgh, said they were "thrilled" with her silver medal - but relieved she would not be doing it again.
"Four silvers and a gold so no-one can complain about that," she said.
"They did ask about Tokyo in four years time and I'm delighted to say she looked at the camera and said: 'I promise you mum and I will not put you through that.'
"So that's a relief."
Grainger, won gold in the double in London with Anna Watkins after three consecutive silver medals. She returned in September 2014 following a two-year sabbatical in the aftermath of the 2012 games.
Read more: Grainger follows her dream to win silver
Grainger's achievements are close to those of 1920s tennis player Kitty McKane Godfree who also has five medals but the rower shades it on quality with one gold and four silver compared to a gold, two silvers and two bronzes.
She has been showered with since securing a rowing medal at a fifth straight Games.
Stewart Harris, sportscotland's chief executive, who watched the rowers win silver at the Lagoa Stadium in Rio said: '''Katherine is now Britain's most-decorated female Olympian, an accolade that has come as the result of her complete commitment and dedication to her sport.
"Katherine is an incredible role model, inspiring others to be the best that they can be and leading by example.
Read more: Grainger follows her dream to win silver
''At sportscotland we are working closely with Scottish Rowing to continue her legacy by creating more opportunities to take up the sport at every level and ensuring that the athletes receive the right support services to allow them to deliver world-class performances, just as Katherine has done throughout her incredible career.''
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described Grainger's haul as a "fantastic achievement".
Sir Matthew Pinsent, who won four rowing gold medals between 1992 and 2004, wrote on Twitter: "Brilliant brilliant brilliant. One of the most amazing @TeamGB stories this year. Thornley/Grainger silver."
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