posted Aug 13, 2008

Like you, I am very pleased at how well the GB rowers are doing. I think this is the best overall performance ever in terms of achievement to finals.Still, it remains to be seen whether and what this will convert into in medals? This year, it does seem to be better because of a much stronger showing by the women's squad who have done really well so far.
BUT, I would not want to get carried away and I think getting 4 golds as you suggest here would be exceptionally good - I actually think it will be less than that.
As a former rower, I have been watching the coverage and commentary with great interest and sometimes surprised by the statements from Mr.Redgrave, on the mens 4, particularly.Talk about piling on the pressure! I think he might be a little over confident about them! Saturday's final is by no means a foregone conclusion, and there could be a shock - yes, the 4 look great but they will have to row out of their skin AND the final is a different race to all the other heats. I think the Aussies will row a better race in the final. Look what happened at Athens, for example. The 4 were miles ahead during the heats but the final finish was mighty close.
To me, the men's 8 look the best of our boats so far, so I'll be putting my money on them for a gold and wish the whole squad the best of luck!!
Believe me, it will very tough going for all the crews and they will have to work extra hard to get their golds!

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posted Aug 14, 2008

I think GB and Australia are going to clean up although what is interesting and greta bout rowing is how the golds are shared around the countries. GB should win the Regatta closely followed by Australia.

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posted Aug 14, 2008

China will be there or there abouts in a good few events too, just to break from the norm in these Olympics.....

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posted Aug 16, 2008

Of course I care about the medals, and the medal winners have to be congratulated, but must say how really proud I am of the performance of all of our rowers, cyclists, and swimmers. They are rowing, cycling, and swimming their hearts out! Well done all of you!! And the sailors too!

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