UCD students row their way to Rio Olympics

Years of hard work paid off for UCD Ad Astra scholars Paul O’Donovan and Claire Lambe as both qualified for the Rio Olympics during the double sculls B final at the World Rowing Championships in Aiguebelette, France.

Claire Lambe and Sinead Jennings

Fine margins make all the difference in elite sport as UCD physiotherapy student, Paul O’Donovan, rowing with his brother Gary, can testify. Both men qualified with only .28 of a second to spare. They beat the Greek team to sixth place to ensure their place in Rio.

UCD engineering graduate Lambe, joined by her partner Sinead Jennings, needed to finish in the top 5 of their race. They finished in third place behind China and Poland.

Both O’Donovan and Lambe can now focus all their preparation towards the double sculls being held in the Copacabana district of Rio de Janeiro in August 2016.

Article by: Jonny Baxter, digital journalist