Olympics: Swim ace Sylvester is record-breaker
The 22-year-old was unsure whether she would swim at the Games after Mel Marshall was selected for the team, despite not taking part in the trials.
But despite sitting out the heat, the Cheddleton swimmer joined forces with Fran Halsall, Caitlin McClatchey and Marshall in the final, where the quartet lowered the British record by exactly a second.
And while their time of 3.38.18 was never going to challenge the Dutch gold medalists, Sylvester believes the future is bright for the swimming squad.
"This is still a really young team and we are all building momentum," she said.
"I'm just pleased to have got the chance to swim and it's great we've taken so much off the British record again."
While her team-mates have further commitments, Sylvester's first Olympic experience is already over.
However, she insists the Beijing experience has only fuelled her appetite for another appearance in London in 2012.
"It felt pretty amazing to be swimming in an Olympic final – I had to pinch myself when we were walking out," she added.
"All the hard work and training is about moments like this – a chance to test yourself against the best in the world, at the biggest event in the world.
"I'm just delighted I got the chance and I'm proud to be part of the team.
"I'm the official chief cheerleader from now on – I'm going to be shouting myself hoarse for the rest of the meet.
"We've got some great medal chances to come and the spirit in the camp has been amazing."
Meanwhile, Longsdon rower Anna Bebington admitted she needed to go back to the drawing board as her best-laid plans for Olympic success stuttered this weekend.
Bebington and double sculls partner Elise Laverick failed to qualify through their heat at Shunyi and needed to take advantage of the second chance repechage today.
With only the top boat qualifying to next weekend's final, the British pair trailed home hosts China and the Czech Republic in third.
Their time, 7.08.65, was the fourth quickest overall – meaning an improvement is needed if they are to match the bronze they won at last year's World Championships in Munich.
"It's been a long time in coming and it's good to have the first race out of the way – but it didn't go to plan," said Bebington.
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