London 2012: Five slalom canoeists named in Team GB

Great Britain will have five canoe slalom entrants at this summer's Olympic Games in London.

The British Olympic Association has confirmed places for David Florence, Richard Hounslow, Tim Baillie, Etienne Stott and Lizzie Neave in Team GB.

They came through the selection trials on the Olympic course at Lee Valley earlier this month.

British slalom canoeists have struggled to progress beyond bronze medals on the world stage since the last Olympics.

"Having five athletes selected covering all of the four classes is a great achievement and a significant improvement on Beijing," said Jurg Gotz, canoe slalom head coach.

"However, we know that this is only the first part of the process and over the next three months we must step up even further and rise to the challenge if we are to realise our full potential at London 2012."

Beijing silver medallist Florence, 29, won two of the best-of-three selection races in the men's C1 (one-man canoe) category at the trials, and also earned a place in the two-man C2 boat alongside Richard Hounslow.

"Just to go to one Olympic Games is absolutely massive," said Florence, "and the aim since Beijing has been to compete again in London in two categories, so to know I have finally been selected for Team GB at a home Games makes all the hard work over the last four years worth it.

"The hype and excitement of a home Games is going to be amazing."

Hounslow beat Athens silver medallist Campbell Walsh to selection in the K1 one-man kayak, with Lizzie Neave winning the place in the women's K1.

"It is a dream come true for me and I know it is going to be such an amazing opportunity with my friends and family able to come and watch me race," said Neave. "I am also looking forward to being part of the wider Team GB, which will be really special."

Etienne Stott and Tim Baillie join Florence and Hounslow in the men's C2, in which Britain will be represented by two boats at the Olympics.