"It's stressful to be part of the Olympic selection process, especially when it doesn't go as smoothly as you'd hoped," Hawkey told BBC Sport.

But she could still make the Olympics as she tries out for the K4 boat. That crew will be decided at the first national regatta of the season at Nottingham in April. Despite the setback, Hawkey says the opportunity to train with the Great Britain squad in Seville over the past few weeks has been fantastic.

"I'm still awe struck that I've got to this stage already," said the Portreath native.

Even if Hawkey does not make the Olympics she might still become a Great Britain international. She is a double European champion at lifesaving and could make the Great Britain Lifesaving team for the World Championships in Germany at the end of July.