The 34-year-old is planning to take part in GB Rowing's Para-rowing trials in Caversham this weekend.

"Part of it was needing a new drive and something else to achieve," Morris, who lost both her legs to complex regional pain syndrome, told BBC Surrey. 

"I've achieved all I can in cycling.

"I could carry on but I wanted to be able to do something different and have a new motivation and a goal."

Morris won time trial gold at Beijing 2008 and followed that up with a bronze medal in the road race at London 2012, despite dislocating her shoulder and suffering whiplash just a few weeks before the Games after being hit by a car while on a training ride.

Rachel Morris celebrates her bronze medal in the road race at London 2012 ©Getty Images

"I started switching [sports] in January and am now on a programme," Morris said.

"They believe I can do something in the sport. I'm on the talent transfer for the first six months and then hopefully after the [World Championships] I can go through as a rower to Rio 2016."

GB Rowing lead coach for Para-rowing Tom Dyson praised Morris' determination but warned it would be hard for her to break into Britain's team for Rio 2016. 

Her first target will be the World Championships in Amsterdam, which is due to take place between August 24 and 31. 

"She is learning quickly about our sport," said Dyson. 

"Standards within the GB Rowing team are high and we intend only to take rowers to the World Championships who can perform to the right level."

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