The rowers of the Paris Games will have to deal with the elements, from the relentless rain to the blistering heat to win Olympic gold.

The athletes fought on, despite the rain. It started as a misty drizzle and then became a downpour.

After finishing third in the women's single sculls, Irish rower Zoe Hyde said, "We have been training in hot weather for the past two weeks, so this is a bit unusual. But it's Irish weather so we are happy."

The families of the spectators at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium were less than pleased with the weather.

Last night, they were complaining about raincoats. Hyde laughed.

The rowers were pleased that, despite the rain, there was little wind at the event.

The 27-year old added, "I think wind is a major factor in rowing, so today we were lucky, because it was flat."

It's fine rain or shine.

Hyde and Bergin, who had an early start Saturday, did not attend the opening ceremony, which was soaked in rain, on Friday. However, they are keeping a close eye on the weather forecast for their semi-finals on Tuesday, as well as a possible Olympic Final on Thursday.

Hyde stated, "Yeah I think it was supposed to jump to 33 degrees. Someone said that, so yes, it will be a little change from today and the 16 to 18 degrees we have had." (Reporting and editing by Ken Ferris; Philip O'Connor)