MARLOW superstar Katherine Grainger has thrown her weight behind a UK Sport and English Institute of Sport initiative to unearth Olympic winners for Rio de Janeiro 2016.

The first stage of Talent 2016 is called Tall and Talented, and is calling all men and woman between the ages of 15 and 22 and over 180cm (women) or 190cm (men) tall who think they have what it takes in sports where size matter, such as basketball and rowing.

Grainger, a three-time Olympic silver medalist and four-time world champion, said: “Competing at the Olympics is as good as it gets.

“Talent 2016: Tall and Talented is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“It won’t be easy, but you’ll have a world class support team backing you all the way. If you’ve got the talent and the dedication, you could be standing on that Olympic podium in Rio in seven years time with a gold medal around your neck.”

Assessments take place around the UK in January.

To register your interest go to www.uksport.gov.uk