Abigail Edmonds was delighted the hard work had paid off after she was confirmed as part of Team GB for the London 2012 Olympics.

Edmonds was selected as the tenth and final athlete for the canoe sprint squad meaning she will be in action at the Eton Dorney venue next month.

Her space was available as Britain were awarded an additional women’s host nation place, meaning Edmonds will go in the K2 500m event as well as serving as a reserve for the K4 500m.

And the 21-year-old Watford-born competitor was thrilled with her selection.

“I am really excited to have been selected for Team GB,” she explained.

“It is what I have been working towards for the last four years and it is great to have something to show for all the hard work and the support of my family and friends.

“It will be amazing to be part of a home Games and a great opportunity to showcase all the talented athletes in the sport of canoeing to the public and encourage more of them to get involved.”

The heats and semi finals for the women’s K2 500m are on Tuesday, August 7, and Edmonds will hope to be involved in the final which takes place two days later.

Canoe sprint Performance Director John Anderson added: “I am pleased to welcome Abigail to the Canoe Sprint Team for London 2012. This brings our total number of athletes to ten, which is the largest team we have selected for an Olympic Games since Barcelona 1992.

“Good luck to Abigail and all the athletes for the Games, which will get underway in just 21 days time.”