Double Olympic champion Helen Glover makes a winning return at the European Championships in

Double Olympic champion Helen Glover made a successful return to competition at the European Championships in Varese, Italy.

The 34-year-old, who gave birth to twins last year, is trying to get back on the Great Britain team for this year’s Games.

In her first race for five years, Glover and Polly Swann led for the entire heat in the women’s pair to qualify for the A final on Sunday. 

Helen Glover’s chances of competing at this year’s Olympic Games received a boost on Friday

Double Olympic winner Glover returned triumphantly at the European Championships in Italy

The mother of three took a break to start a family after her second Olympic gold before announcing her return to competitive action in January.

Her victory keeps her on track for a trailblazing appearance at the Tokyo Games, which are scheduled to start on July 23.  

Glover told Sportsmail last month: ‘I’ve been back for three months and being selected is the first step to become the first woman in British Rowing history to make an Olympic team after having children.

‘I’m finding the journey exciting and challenging, but I hope I return from Varese with some success stories to share with the children.’ 

Victoria Thornley of Wales reached Saturday’s semi-finals in the single scull by winning her heat.