Event: Lightweight women’s double sculls.
Who are they? They’re just the third and fourth Irish women to qualify for an Olympic Games in rowing with 38-year-old Sinead Jennings admitting it was her last chance.
Where are they from? Jennings is from Donegal while Claire Lambe is a Dubliner.
Olympic CV: This will be an Olympic debut for the pair though both have tried to make the Games before. Jennings also tried to qualify for Beijing in cycling.
Road to Rio: Both tried and failed to qualify for London 2012 leaving Sanita Puspure as the sole boat at the Games four years ago.
However, in just their second-ever regatta together, the pair finished third in the B Final of the World Rowing Championships in Aiguebelette, France last September to secure an Olympic berth.
When do they start? The heats of the lightweight women’s double sculls take place between 12.30pm and 4.30pm on Sunday 7 August.
Where can I follow them? You can get Claire Lambe here: @ClaireLambe while Sinead Jennings is @sineadmjenning1
What they says: “When you have the bad race, or a bad couple of days, you know it doesn’t define you. You’re a bit more robust in your confidence. I’ve had a few good results in my singles, but I’ve still to make a podium at a world event.”
- Claire Lambe (The42, August 2015).
Medal chances? It’ll be a tough ask to get to the final for the pair but if things go their way it’s not completely out of the question. The B final is more likely and they proved at the World Championships they can more than hold their own at that level.
And here’s something you probably didn’t know… Just three days after giving birth to her daughter Hannah, Jennings returned to training. Now that’s dedication.
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