Heroes welcome for Olympic rowers
Thursday, 21 August 2008
A defiant Alan Campbell has already stated his intention of coming back and claiming a medal in the single sculls at the London Games in four years time.
THE mayor of Coleraine says he is confident the local council will honour its three Olympic heroes at a reception, possibly later in the autumn.
Cllr David Barbour said that the achievements of the trio - Alan Campbell, Richard Archibald and Richard Chambers - deserved to be recognised at the highest level.
Campbell and Chambers both reached the finals of their respective events while Archibald narrowly failed in his bid to make it a clean sweep at the Beijng Olympics.
“There has already been contact with Beijing about the possibility of organising a reception for the boys when they return to Coleraine," confirmed the mayor.
“The only debate concerns what is the most appropriate way to recognise and honour the achievements of these three men.
“Even though they failed to win a medal, the hard work, dedication and sacrifice that they showed to get as far as they did deserves recognition at the highest level."
Hopes of a Coleraine medal were dashed on Saturday and Sunday morning as first Campbell and then Chambers went agonisingly close to realising their dream.
The former finished fifth in the single sculls event on Saturday after leading in the early stages of the race. A knee injury suffered just weeks before the Games hampered his preparations and he could only watch as defending Olympic champion Olaf Tufte raced clear to win his second successive gold.
It was a similar story for the youngest of the Coleraine contingent, Richard Chambers, who finished in fifth place along with his crew in the men's lightweight fours.
Touted as possible medal contenders prior to the race having defeated all of their rivals in the past, the GB crew struggled to match the fast pace before trailing in fifth behind eventual winners Denmark.
Speaking in Beijing, 25-year-old Campbell reiterated his desire to claim an Olympic medal - in London in four years time.
“I feel I can hold my head high. I did my best and that is all you can ask," he said.
“I feel I can step up from here and we will put together another four-year plan.
“I will be 29 in London in 2012 so I have time on my side."
In contrast, Richard Archibald called time on his rowing career in the aftermath of Ireland's failure to qualify for the men's lightweight fours final, bringing to an end a successful career.
It's believed that in addition to Coleraine council, Bann Rowing Club is planning its own tribute to its three Olympians. And why not, they deserve it.
