Paris 2024 Rowing: All results, as Fintan McCarthy and Paul O'Donovan of Ireland defend lightweight double sculls Olympic title
The men's lightweight double sculls final at Paris 2024 was a 'mission accomplished' for Ireland's three-time world champions and defending Tokyo 2020 gold medallists Fintan McCarthy and Paul O'Donovan, who won a historic gold at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium on Friday.
McCarthy and O'Donovan clocked 6:10.99 ahead of Italy's Stefano Oppo and Gabriel Soares, who crossed the line to win silver on 6:13.33, narrowly ahead of Greece's Antonios Papakonstantinou and Petros Gkaidatzis on 6:13.44.
The Irish duo rowed to victory amidst chants of 'Ole, Ole, Ole' from their fans and when they crossed the line raised their arms raised aloft in triumph, savouring a moment that will be cherished forever.
Although the pair seems unbeatable from the outside, their journey to this golden moment was far from smooth.
McCarthy admitted to having a “rocky enough” season, but he praised their perseverance and the invaluable support they received along the way.
"I was trying to keep under wraps the nerves and the doubts, but coming out for the final, there were no nerves," he explained. "We really felt like we were back at our best for this race. It’s just amazing to be here in front of all our family and everyone supporting us, especially from the club."
O'Donovan reflected on their race, adding, "You never know until you cross the line. We're very happy to have held on to first place. The Greeks got off to a really good start and hung in there, and Italy is always up there in the medals. It was tough racing from everyone, so we were never sure until we got there."
McCarthy shared the emotional impact of the victory. "It was a good, tough race," he said. "(I'm) pretty tired, but over the moon, can't believe it.
"It was amazing (feeling to finish first). All our friends, all our family, just looking up into the crowd after the race and seeing all the faces and knowing they're happy and proud, it's amazing."
In the final, the Irish crew executed their strategy flawlessly. They merged with the bunch over the first 1,000 metres before pulling away after the halfway mark. The Swiss fell behind early, and despite strong challenges from the Italians and Greeks, McCarthy and O'Donovan surged ahead, crossing the finish line to kick-start the celebrations.
The duo's victory is more than just a personal triumph; it's a historic achievement. They are the first Irish athletes to win back-to-back gold in this event since Athens 2004 and the first rowing gold for Ireland at Paris.
But their legacy extends beyond their Olympic success. As three-time world champions and two-time European champions, McCarthy and O'Donovan have set a benchmark in rowing excellence. O'Donovan, with his Olympic silver from Rio 2016, gold from Tokyo 2020, and additional world titles, is now the first Irish Olympian to win medals at three consecutive Olympics.
Double sculls, a storied event at the Olympic Games since St. Louis 1904 and a pinnacle of rowing excellence, has a rich history of showcasing the grit, precision, and synergy of its athletes, celebrating the sport’s enduring spirit.
The lightweight men’s double sculls event bids farewell with this golden moment that will shine forever, as beach sprint rowing takes up the oars to bring more Olympic glory starting in LA 2028.
Rowing: men's lightweight double sculls podium
Gold: Ireland, 6:10.99
Silver: Italy, 6:13.33
Bronze: Greece, 6:13.44