The Bendigo rower last night added another chapter to her inspiring comeback to the sport by qualifying for the Olympic final in the lightweight double sculls with Bronwen Watson.

The Aussie crew finished a close-up third in their semi-final behind China and Denmark.

Needing a top three finish to qualify for the final, Every-Hall and Watson briefly hit the lead midway through the 2km race before holding on strongly in the final kilometre.

Every-Hall, 34, all but gave up on her Olympic dream in 2004 after two anaphylactic reactions ruled her out of the Aussie squad for the Athens Games.

She spent six years out of the sport and gave birth to two children before making a comeback in 2010 with the London Olympics her major goal.

Two years of major sacrifices – including spending time away from husband, Michael, and sons, Charlie and Harrison – has paid off for the former Bendigo Senior Secondary College student.

Every-Hall and Watson, 35, who has also made a comeback to the sport in recent years, will be out to make history as the first Australian women to win gold in the lightweight double sculls.

Australia’s best previous result is a bronze medal in Atlanta in 1996.

Great Britain is favourite for the gold medal after its impressive win in the first semi-final ahead of Greece and Germany.

Tomorrow night’s final will be raced at 7pm AEST.