Brothers eye up more glory

Brothers Richard and Peter came within a quarter of a second of winning gold at Eton Dorney – they were pipped on the line by the South Africa quartet in a dramtic finale.

This time around the siblings may not be in the same boat, but there desire to take top honours at the pinnacle of their sport has grown.

“You don’t train to come second or third,” said Richard, who will be competing in the Men’s Lightweight Double Scull in this his third Olympics.

“We put in the miles, as does every other boat that will be heading to Rio, to go out and win. Now not everyone does, that’s sport, but we have to put ourselves in the best position we think we can do to be first across the line.”

Younger brother Peter, who continues in the Lightweight Four, is also looking forward to the challenge: “London 2012 was vey special for us, it was great to be able to achieve what we achieved together.

“It’s going to be different this time around obviously as we are in different boats, and we will face our own challenges along the way.

“But it’s the nature of rowing, the coaches pick the people for the boats and you go and do the job you have to do.

“As a rower you are train to win and I know we will all be fighting for medals.

“We have trained hard, over the last month we’ve been preparing in the best possible way, so that when we are sitting on that start line we are ready to go.”

Another medal in Rio would be fantastic for the Coleraine men, but competing in South America already fills them with so much pride.

“It’s a real pleasure and an honour for me to compete for GB at a second Olympic Games,” he said.

“London 2012 was a very special occasion, but Rio will create its own memories. The location is stunning, and I can’t wait to get out on the boat. It will make it very special to have our parents there, and I know we will also have the whole of Coleraine and Northern Ireland cheering us on too.”

Richard echoed his brothers sentiments: “It is a massive privilege to be able to represent your country.

“I have to pinch myself to be honest as I never really thought I would take part in one Olympic Games never mind three.

“To be able to represent your country at any level is a massive achievement, but to be able to do it at the Olympics and to represent Team GB is such an honour.

“It’s the pinnacle of our sport, it’s the fastest boats and the best athletes in the world, and to be able to be there and be amongst it is going to be pretty cool.