91Èȱ¬

Olympic gold medal winning rower Kat Copeland has said it is too early to confirm whether she will compete to retain her title at the 2016 Rio Games.

Copeland, 21, and her rowing partner Sophie Hosking, 26, won the women's lightweight double sculls event at Eton Downey during London 2012.

"I am still just having a bit of time to think about my options," Copeland told 91Èȱ¬ Look North.

"I wouldn't want to say right now, I'm still having a think."

She added: "I have been out on my boat a few times, I love rowing, I love training and my best friends do it.

"I'm just taking my time to make the right decision."

The Teessider, who grew up in Ingleby Barwick near Stockton, was in the Look North studio to promote the 91Èȱ¬ Sport Unsung Hero award.

Viewers have been invited to nominate their sporting unsung heroes, with the main prize awarded at the Sports Personality of the Year award evening, and Copeland's own nomination was her school rowing coach, Andy Clark.

"I'm thankful to everyone who supports me, but lots of people support you when things go right," she added.

"Andy got me started in the sport and he's been massive support to me when things are going wrong, which when you need it the most."

For more information on the 91Èȱ¬ Sport Unsung Hero award, visit the website bbc.co.uk/sportsunsunghero