Marlow rower Rory Gibbs hoping to turn his Tokyo pain into a Paris gain

Marlow rower Rory Gibbs is hoping to turn Tokyo pain into Paris gain at his second Olympic Games, writes Sportsbeat’s Tom Harle.

Gibbs will race in the men’s eight as part of a 42-strong rowing squad who have been selected, across ten boats, to represent Team GB.

The 30-year-old was part of the four that missed out on the podium at Tokyo 2020 after a high-profile steering error in the final few metres of the final.

“There was a lot of disappointment in Tokyo from wanting more and that was a painful process to overcome,” said Sholto Carnegie, another member of the Tokyo four now in the eight for Paris.

“Tokyo is definitely going to help me savour the moment even more and leave no stone unturned.

“It taught me a lot and shaped me a lot to get back to the spot I’m at now, but this is a new boat and a new project. I’m using it for experience but not living in the past.”

Gibbs will benefit from Aldi’s Nearest & Dearest programme in Paris, which helps maximise support and minimise potential distractions for athletes so that they can focus on their performance and make the most of the unique opportunity to compete on one of the world’s largest stages.

Gibbs will be joined in the men’s eight by Jacob Dawson, Sholto Carnegie, Morgan Bolding, Charlie Elwes, Tom Digby, James Rudkin, Tom Ford and coxswain Harry Brightmore.

The eight have swept all before them in this Olympiad, winning two world and three European titles to be installed as favourites to reach the top step of the podium in the French capital.

It’s a run that Dawson, part of the crew that won bronze at Tokyo 2020, puts down to openness.

“Maybe in other environments, it would be described as finger-pointing,” said Dawson. “But we criticise each other heavily just because we want the best out of each other and the best for each other. Off the water, we're so close and just such great friends.

“It’s only professional - it never gets personal. It’s just about doing the job better.”

Of the 23 women and 19 men in Team GB’s rowing squad, 50% are making their Olympic debut and 50% are returning Olympians, including two-time Olympic gold medallist Helen Glover.

“The Olympic experience in this squad is huge, and I have no doubt it will be an asset to those rowers who will make their Olympic debut in Paris this summer,” said Team GB Chef de Mission Mark England.

“Our rowers have posted some outstanding results this season and I am sure the crews will relish the opportunity to showcase their talent in front of their friends, family, and Team GB fans.”

Glover, who will be part of the women’s four, is aiming to become the first British mum-of-three to win an Olympic medal.

Glover said: “A huge reason for aiming for Paris was thinking how great it will be to have my family there to watch and support me and being able to share all of this with them is so special.”

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