Ireland's Paul O'Donovan won the lightweight men's sculls for the second time in a single Games, thrilling the thousands of supporters in green who came to watch him create Olympic history for his country.

O'Donovan, who won silver with his brother Gary in Rio in 2016, and coined the term "pull-like-a-dog" to describe their style of play, and Fintan McCartan dominated the humid heat at the Vaires sur Marne Nautical stadium on Friday in order to defend the Olympic titles they earned in Tokyo.

Italy won the silver and Greece took bronze, but today was McCarthy's and O’Donovan's day. They medalled in this event for the third time in a line and were able to describe the secret behind their success.

He said with a twinkle in his eyes, "A little magic and luck along with Fintan and Gary O'Donovan dragged me through the course."

O'Donovan's modesty is in stark contrast with his newly-earned position in Irish sporting and Olympic history. On Friday, he became first Irish athlete medalled at three Olympics. His success has led to the growth of the sport rowing in his wake.

The race was perfect for McCarthy who is only three years older than his partner.

It felt good, it was like we were on fire the whole week. McCarthy stated that it was just about stepping into the middle of the fight. "We knew the other teams would want to join us.

He added, "We knew that the middle was where our strength lay, so we pushed ahead there. Then it became a sprint to the finish line as if trying desperately to keep up with everyone else."

O'Donovan stated that the fact that coastal rowing will replace lightweight sculls at the 2028 Olympics won't do much damage to Irish rowing medal chances.

He said: "I do not think that it would make a big difference. You know, all of the heavyweight categories are still there and yesterday, our double men (Daire and Philip Doyle), won a gold medal. Fair play to them, they did a fantastic race."

O'Donovan, who has grown his squad to compete in the third Olympics of a series in Los Angeles, said that he wouldn't be surprised if there were even more Irish athletes in Los Angeles.

O'Donovan said, "There are plenty of guys left out there. I believe there will be a solid heavyweight team that we can join."

(source: Reuters)