NI rowing hopefuls 'very grounded'

Published Thursday, 02 August 2012
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The mother of rowing talents Peter and Richard Chambers has described the pair as "very grounded" ahead of their attempt to take gold at the final of the men's lightweight fours rowing competition.

NI rowing hopefuls 'very grounded'
The mother of the local rowers say they would be thrilled to win gold medals. (© Getty)

The brothers from Coleraine secured their slot in the final on Tuesday after Team GB achieved the fastest qualifying semi-final performance of 5:59.68.

Speaking on U105, Gillian Chambers tried to describe her emotions leading up to the event.

"I'm completely terrified and nervous and everything. Every emotion is coming my way at the moment," she told presenter Frank Mitchell.

She said she hadn't spoken to her sons for a few days as she wanted to "let them get on with it".

She said it was too soon to start talking about being a parent of Olympic winners.

"Lightweight racing is so tight and so top, it could go either way, so we just like to take it one step at a time to be honest and we haven't had that conversation with anybody," she said.

"I don't think we even allow ourselves to think about that."

But Ms Chambers admitted that winning the gold medals would be well deserved for Peter and Richard.

"The boys wouldn't change in my eyes, because they're two good lads, they're my boys, I love them, they're your kids you know?

"It would be lovely for them because I know the hard work and effort that they've put in, so of course it would be lovely for them, they would be absolutely thrilled to bits."

She credited the boys beginnings at Bann Rowing Club in Coleraine as a great base for their sporting careers.

Prime Minister David Cameron visited the club on Wednesday as part of a UK-wide tour to promote the London 2012 Games.

Ms Chambers added:"What it is about that training ground, is the people of Coleraine, who have not only supported but trained these guys from 13 years of age on the road to where they are today. Complete dedication, talent and expertise has been poured onto them and set them on the right road, that's the key.

"So it's about the people who have inputted into their lives."

The proud mum said she has tried to be a "rock" of support for the pair when they train in England, but that they were already "very grounded".

But she admitted she may enjoy the Olympic Games more on Friday, when the crucial race is over.

© UTV News
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