Going to Paris! Reactions at the FOPQR in Lucerne
Listen to the reactions from athletes, families and friends in Lucerne after the finals of the the 2024 World Rowing Final Olympic and Paralympic Qualification Regatta.
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00:00 Congratulations, I think this must be an incredibly special moment that came down to the wire.
00:06 Do you think you can talk me through the last couple hundred metres of that race?
00:10 Yeah, about 1000m was already quite hard. I thought we're not going to make it.
00:16 But yeah, young guys still can push, we did well.
00:20 You mentioned the young guys, so this is your, officially you've qualified for your sixth Olympic Games.
00:26 How does that feel?
00:28 It didn't make my life easier.
00:33 Honestly girls, so impressive. Obviously I'm biased, but I think watching you guys come down the course made me so so proud.
00:43 I think the way you guys approached the race was so impressive and I just saw it all, you leave it out there.
00:49 How are you feeling? What are the emotions?
00:51 I think when we crossed the line we were kind of just like, what just happened kind of thing.
00:56 It's just sinking in now, but so proud of us for coming this far.
01:01 I thought we've worked so hard together with Nick and we're just beyond proud of each other and the whole team.
01:07 Yeah, it feels really special.
01:10 And now you can officially say you're going to be an Olympian.
01:13 You've booked your tickets to Paris, how does that feel?
01:16 It's pretty cool, yeah. I don't have much else to say.
01:19 I feel like when we were racing I didn't even realise where we were until we finished.
01:23 And I was like, oh my God, so it takes me a bit longer than Kate Croat to set in.
01:27 Tom, you've just watched your daughter not only qualify, but qualify in an incredibly impressive manner for the Paris Olympic Games.
01:37 How are you feeling? What are the emotions?
01:39 The emotions are always excitement and nerves. Nerves more than excitement.
01:44 But just to see it, the huge relief of going to Paris is enormous for my daughter and for the crew, the whole of the crew.
01:51 They really, really wanted out and they got it.
01:54 You have had a first-hand seat in all the work and the effort and the ups and downs it takes to get to this moment.
02:01 What can you say about her journey to this date?
02:04 Well, the journey's been... I mean, she was first selected for Ireland this month last year, so she's not been rowing long.
02:11 But certainly in the camp, there's a huge amount of effort that goes into it.
02:15 People watching who don't have a relative in a boat really don't know how much goes into it.
02:21 And it is highs and lows, and the lows can be very low, but the highs can be extraordinary.
02:27 Now, congratulations, you've officially qualified for Paris.
02:31 We've actually just spoken to your dad, who also had a very emotional journey watching the race.
02:36 Can you tell us how you're feeling?
02:38 Oh, like, can't describe. I don't think it's set in yet, do you know what I mean?
02:43 How was the race, and when did you know, "Okay, actually, this is a possibility"?
02:48 I think right from the word go, I think we knew we had a good shot, and it was just about staying calm in the moment.
02:53 We've just watched both lightweight doubles qualify.
03:00 Win, win, win!
03:02 What does that mean to you guys?
03:04 It feels great. It was amazing. All the stress, all the final.
03:08 And now it will be a very good race and a very good party tonight.
03:13 A good party tonight, and potentially some good parties in Paris 2024.
03:17 Of course, of course. We have to train a lot to go to Paris, and now to win the Olympic final and the Olympic gold medal.
03:25 Congratulations, enjoy the celebrations, and good luck for the Olympics.
03:30 Thanks a lot.
03:31 What does this moment mean for you?
03:37 It means everything, because many, many sacrifices, but it means a pleasure to be here, to row with Laura, with all the things it implies.
03:49 So it was so cool.
03:51 And it's the home Olympic Games. We're about to see maybe the French men's double qualify as well.
03:57 It's amazing. The country is behind us, so it's very cool.
04:03 And here is the men's double, so we are a lightweight team on the front.
04:08 Congratulations. France rowing looks exciting for Paris. All the best for the build-up and nicer.
04:14 Thank you very much.
04:16 Tell us, what are the emotions running through you right now?
04:23 I don't know. I can't say anything. She's put everything into the last two years since he was born.
04:29 She's not even two yet, and she's managed to qualify for the Olympics. It's just amazing.
04:33 When I became pregnant, it kind of changed my outlook on things.
04:39 And for me, I don't think having a baby should be the end of a career.
04:43 Yes, rowing is a whole body thing, but actually it's a great way to get back into sport.
04:47 And I think for me, my identity is obviously a mum, but it's also an athlete.
04:51 And I'm definitely a better mum for rowing, and I'm a much better athlete for him.
04:55 So if anyone out there is considering whether it's possible or not, it's hard.
05:00 Your recovery is terrible at times, but you never get stuck into the stress bubble.
05:04 And I'm lucky I've got a really understanding doubles partner,
05:07 who her and my coach go out their way to allow it to be possible.
05:10 Whether I lose childcare or anything, they're flexible.
05:13 [Music]
05:20 (ding)