Swann on song: world champion Polly Swann eyes Olympic rowing gold after injury heartache of London 2012
Swann will be competing in the women's coxed eight rowing final on Saturday (13 August) as a member of the GB boat.
Helen Glover and Polly Swann of Great Britain win the women's pair title at the 2013 World Rowing Championships in South Korea (Photo: Getty Images/Chung Sung-Jun)
Great Britain rower Polly Swann aims to make up for the disappointment of missing out on London 2012 through injury in the best possible way: winning gold in the women’s coxed eight rowing final on Saturday (13 August).
Olympic rowing schedule and results - Rio 2016
Swann, 28, who is both a world and European champion, was part of the GB women’s eight who qualified for the final during the heats on Monday. Ahead of this weekend’s final she told Rio2016.com she is loving her Olympic experience so far.
The Team GB rowers prepare for action at Rio 2016 (Intersport)
“I feel great to be honest. It’s my first Olympics as I missed out on London through injury so for me I feel like I wasn’t as nervous as I expected to be for the heat.
“I think because I did miss out last time it’s made me a bit calmer about the whole situation because I really do relish the fact that I’m here and really appreciate it.”
Chasing the USA
The fastest heat time on Monday was set by the USA women, who have a fearsome pedigree winning every Olympics or World Championships rowing eight since 2006. Swann remains convinced though that Great Britain can win gold
“They’re there for the taking. We know what we’re capable of, though maybe the rest of the world don’t, but I think that’s quite calming as well because if you have confidence, you have reassurance and it’s all about delivering the performance.
“We have the speed and we have to make sure we deliver that on Saturday.”
Mesmerise me
Swann, who is currently based in Ipanema, says the stunning setting of Lagoa Stadium has mesmerised her.
“I’ve been really impressed with all the supporters, the volunteers have been awesome and the Lagoa is incredible. It’s so beautiful and I think we’ve won hands down for best venue! The views there are just incredible.
“I think for me the most incredible thing was the first day. We came down and went for a row and then the clouds parted and you just saw Christ the Redeemer pop out as we were on the start line and I just thought: ‘that is incredible.’
‘I just feel so lucky that we get to be in this city, on that lake and look up and see that shining down on us at the start of our Olympic race. No one else gets that. That is a privilege just for the rowers and I think it’s absolutely amazing.’
Olympic Games tickets are available to buy on the Rio 2016 portal
