Updated at 15.24
GARY AND PAUL O’Donovan finished second to claim a historic silver medal in the men’s lightweight double sculls final at the Rio Olympics today.
The O’Donovans came second in a thrilling men’s lightweight double sculls final with a time of 6.31.23, just behind France’s gold medal winners Jérémie Azou and Pierre Houin (6.30.70) and ahead of third-place Are Strandli and Kristoffer Brun (6.31.39) of Norway.
It is Ireland’s first medal at the Rio Games as well as their first-ever medal in rowing at the Olympics. Previously, a crew that included Sam Lynch — husband of current Team Ireland star Sinead Jennings — finished fourth in the 1996 Atlanta Games, while single scull rower Sean Drea also came fourth at the 1976 Montreal Games.
The country have taken the O’Donovans to their hearts thanks to their fantastic performances in Rio and their endearing interviews.
The Skibbereen pair had previously booked a place in today’s event with an impressive semi-final display.
Hotline Rings: Rio 2016 / SoundCloud
The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say