Tokyo Olympics: Helen Glover and Polly Swann finish fourth in women’s doubles

Dates: July 23 – August 8 Weather in Tokyo: BST +8
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Helen Glover’s return to rowing didn’t have a fairytale ending as the mothers of three children and Polly Swann finished fourth in the Olympic women’s pair.

She was the first mother to make a national Olympic rowing team and gave birth to twins last year.

“They just missed the podium, but they will be incredibly proud,” said 2012 gold medalist Ladies Katherine Grainger.

“They accepted a huge challenge and they did it with style. They raised awareness and talked about problems. They were very, very competitive.”

Glover’s return began last March, when the Tokyo Games were postponed for 12 months until this summer due to a coronavirus pandemic.

She reunited with Swann, who was a partner at Glover when Heather Stanning took a break after London 2012.

Swann, a 33-year-old NHS doctor, was also trying to make a stunning comeback after the break to focus on her medical career.

New Zealand won gold with the Russian Olympic Committee by taking silver, while Canada retained the bronze.

“It’s still a remarkable result for Glover and Swann,” said two-time Olympic gold medalist James Cracknell.

“The medals cost them why you train for four years, you lose spring at both ends of the race – at the start and in the sprint. They lacked top speed.”