Call breathes life into Olympic dream

Bunbury-raised rower Alexandra Hagan thought her dream of an Olympic Games berth this year was over – until last night when the Australian Women’s Eight team received a late call-up.

The International Rowing Federation ruled the Russian team ineligible for the event and awarded their place for the Rio Olympics to Australia, giving Hagan a second chance at a gold medal.

She competed at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, but thought her chances of competing in next month’s games were gone when the women’s eight failed to qualify last month.

More on this story in Thursday’s South Western Times.