There was double disappointment at the end of last week for two of Wandsworth’s rowers.
On Thursday London Rowing Club’s Bill Lucas finished fifth in the men’s double sculls final as New Zealand’s Nathan Cohen and Joseph Sullivan took gold.
The sculler, along with Sam Townsend, clocked a solid time of six minutes 40.54 seconds, but it was not enough to fend off the Kiwis.
Despite being in second place at the halfway stage the British pair were unable to catch the leaders, but held off a late charge from the Italians and Slovenians, who came second and third respectively.
Then on Friday it was the turn of another London Rowing Club rower Matt Wells, who also lives in Putney, who was up in the men’s quadruple sculls final.
Despite being in the bronze position after 1,000m they fell away and ended up in fifth position.
Germany cantered to the line to win with plenty of time to spare, favourites Croatia came second with Australia taking the bronze.
Reflecting afterwards, Wells said: “Our rowing team is the most successful rowing team in the world and to have been part of that is incredible. I’ve maybe not played the part I wanted to play in terms of medals this time, but just to be part of it at all feels really special.
“It’s at times like this you remember the people who have given you the opportunity you’ve had. My first rowing coach, Chris Grabham, gave me the opportunity to do this sport. I feel really proud to have had that.”
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