Gemma Gibbons "honoured" to feature at European Games

Gemma Gibbons has admitted that her performance at the European Games will play a "significant" part of her preparations for next year's Olympics.

After winning silver at London 2012, Gibbons is aiming to go one better in Rio de Janeiro, but the Greenwich judoka is aware that she needs a strong display in Baku.

The 28-year-old said: "London 2012 was such a special time, so to be able to compete for Team GB and wear the Olympic rings again is a huge honour for me.

"The Games are of increased significance for me because not only do they double up as the judo European Championships but they also represent an important step on our road to Rio with the chance to gain ranking points for the Olympic Games next summer."

Gibbons is one of 163 athletes who will represent Great Britain at the inaugural staging of the event.