Gary O’Donovan - Rowing

Age: 23. Event: Lightweight double sculls. Hometown: Skibbereen, Cork

The slightly older of the Skibbereen siblings, both brothers found they had a natural talent rowing at an early age. Both were selected for the Irish junior team at the Home International Regatta as far back as 2008. This past year rhas raised the bar, however, as they only took up the lightweight double sculls in 2014 before an 11th place finish at last year’s World Championships secured them Olympic qualification. Gary’s extra bit of experience will be crucial in their quest to make that Olympic final.

Ian O'Riordan

Ian O'Riordan

Ian O'Riordan is an Irish Times sports journalist writing on athletics