Great Britain continued their fine tradition in the men’s fours event by comfortably advancing to the semi-finals this afternoon.
GB won gold in Sydney, Athens, Beijing and London so went into the event as strong favourites to retain their title, and this was a solid start to the defence of their crown.
Moe Sbihi, a Surbiton resident and St Mary’s alumni, and George Nash, who rows for Molesey Boat Club, have helped GB to multiple world championships in the last three seasons, in eights in 2013 and 2015 and as part of a four in 2014.
The British crew dominated from start to finish, and gradually, relentlessly, destroyed the opposition.
France, Greece and South Africa happened to be the victims in this heat, but on this form, no-one could have lived with them.
The semi-finals will take place on Wednesday, when Great Britain will need to finish in the top three out of six to make the final.
Combining the technical precision of previous champion GB fours with unprecedented physical power, it seems unlikely that anyone can stop Great Britain claiming a fifth consecutive Olympic title.
Image courtesy of the BBC, with thanks
