Rowing

The bronze medallist entered the competition at the Team GB ‘kitting out’ event in Birmingham, where DFS offered athletes the chance to win a trip for two of their nearest and dearest by snapping a selfie on their limited edition Britannia: The Great British Sofa, which has been specifically created for the British House: the home of Team GB in Rio.

Alan chose to give his pair of winning tickets to former Olympian and coach of almost 15 years Bill Barry, who will now be able to join him as he strives to shine during his last appearance on the Olympic stage.

Bill has previously travelled to Athens, Beijing, and London with Alan, and prior to becoming a coach won a silver medal for Great Britain in the coxless fours at the 1964 Olympics.

Bill plans to take his wife, Yvonne, on the money-can’t-buy trip, which includes return flights to Brazil, five nights’ accommodation at a 4 star hotel on Copacabana beach, a pair of tickets to the diving, athletics, and the closing ceremony, as well as exclusive access to British House, Team GB’s headquarters.

Commenting on his win, Alan said: “I couldn’t believe my sofa selfie managed to snap up tickets to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. It’s a fantastic prize, and I couldn’t think of anyone who deserves the tickets more than Bill and his wife who’ve been supporting me for the last 15 years.”

Bill also commented: “I was over the moon when Alan told me he had won tickets and was going to give them to me! Getting to watch Alan’s big performance in his last Games will make it an extra special trip for me.”

Claire Rushton, Head of Public Relations at DFS, said: “We’re delighted for Bill - what better way to celebrate our partnership with Team GB than by giving a former Olympian the chance to have a front seat view of the Olympic action out in Rio.”

DFS is also creating a home from home environment in British House, Team GB’s headquarters in Rio.