A storming race from Paul O'Donovan and Fintan McCarthy in the lightweight Double Sculls saw the Irish par secure a gold medal at the World Rowing Championships.
A year after he won with his brother Gary, Paul O'Donovan returned alongside his Skibbereen man to clinch a brilliant first place.
It is a fitting end to a superb week for the duo who booked a place in Tokyo last Thursday. For O'Donovan, it means he is now a world champion for the fourth year in a row.
What a performance! Smashed the competition! World champions Paul O’Donovan & Fintan McCarthy 🥇 #worldrowing #LinzOttensheim2019 @RowingIreland #clearwater pic.twitter.com/1ExYH4TI3J
— David Gillick (@DavidGillick) August 31, 2019
🇮🇪Paul O’Donovan at the World Rowing Championships in lightweight sculls since winning Olympic 🥈 in 2016:
2016 🥇 single
2017 🥇 single
2018 🥇 double with Gary O’Donovan
2019 🥇 double with Fintan McCarthy
World Champion four years in a row! pic.twitter.com/G99ixsn54i— Dodge (@seidodge) August 31, 2019
The pair saw off Italy who secured silver and Germany who claimed bronze in a superb showing as they fought back from behind. At 500m they were well outside the top three but dramatically charged late to win.
Watch how Paul O'Donovan and Fintan McCarthy won gold at the World Rowing Championships. Incredible Irish performance. pic.twitter.com/SOb8SURRQ9
— Kieran McCarthy (@KieranMcC_SS) August 31, 2019
This has been a superb week for Irish rowing. Earlier in the day, Monika Dukarska and Aileen Crowley both booked their place at the 2020 Olympics to make it four boats qualified.
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