Molesey Boat Club’s Moe Sbihi and George Nash are a step closer to gold after they breezed through their semi-final this afternoon.
Finishing in 6:17:13 Sbihi and Nash will now go head-to-head with Italy, South Africa, Australia, Canada and the Netherlands in a final effort to claim Team GB’s fifth consecutive men’s four Olympic title.
Sbihi, a Surbiton resident and St Mary’s alumni, and Nash were joined by defending champion Alex Gregory and London 2012 men’s eights bronze medallist Constantine Louloudis.
The boat took an early lead pushing on ahead of France, Germany, the Netherlands, Canada and Belarus to make their stand.
By the time they reached the 500m mark, the team were out in front with a bulletproof rhythm.
“They are making it look easy,” said James Cracknell.
“This is the strongest British four we have ever had.”
With a 37 stroke rate, the four were clear of everyone throughout the rest of the race until they were over the finish line ahead of Canada and the Netherlands.
The four, coached by Jürgen Grobler, have been training hard to accommodate the technique needed for their varying heights, with Sbihi standing at six foot eight and Nash at six foot three.
The south west London duo 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.
Image courtesy of the BBC, with thanks
