Mark Banks’ men’s quads team miss out on Olympic medal

Britain's Stephen Rowbotham, Tom Solesbury, Charles Cousins and Matt Wells react after finishing fifth in the quadruple sculls

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The Team GB Olympic men’s quads rowing team, coached by Littleborough-born Mark Banks, narrowly missed out on a medal in the quadruple sculls final this morning (3 August).

Great Britain’s Stephen Rowbotham, Tom Solesbury, Charles Cousins and Matt Wells fought hard against their competitors to come fifth in the nail-biting race, clocking a time of 5 minutes 49.19 seconds.

After winning the semi-final with the third-fastest qualifying time earlier this week, Team GB couldn’t hold off the competition. Enthusiastic crowds inspired a late push for the final 500 metres, but this unfortunately wasn’t enough to secure a coveted medal.

The German team raced to claim Gold in the race, with Croatia and Australia picking up the Silver and Bronze medals respectively.

In the men's 470 Sailing Luke Patience and Stuart Bithell gave Great Britain a fine start to the men's 470 regatta as they ended the day top of the fleet, while Denmark's Jonas Hogh-Christensen was one of those who saw his medal challenge under pressure.

This news comes as Olympic Games Maker Scott Goulding from Rochdale arrives in the capital to start work as a volunteer.

Scott said: “I arrived into London Euston station yesterday and you can just feel the atmosphere; there’s a buzz everywhere you go.

“I’ve been to World Cups and other major sporting events but this is something else. There’s people of every nationality and everyone’s so helpful; it’s unbelievable. There are London 2012 banners everywhere and the city’s buzzing - and that’s without me even stepping foot into the Olympic Village yet!

“My first shift as an Events Services volunteer is this afternoon and I can’t wait.”