Pair in doubt for Pinsent and Cracknell

Pinsent and Cracknell
© Sybrand Treffers

Over the past years, Matthew Pinsent and James Cracknell have been arguably the most famous rowing pair in the world. The BBC now reports that they might not row as a pair in Athens.

After winning a gold medal in the men’s four at the Sydney Olympics, they moved into the pair and have stamped their name on the event.

Pinsent’s resume resembles that of his former pair partner, Sir Steve Redgrave, and has already included three Olympic and ten World Championship golds. In 1997 Cracknell joined the fold and, together with Pinsent, started racking up the medals, with five World Championship golds. In 2002, they were presented with the Male Crew of the Year FISA award. Pinsent is also an elected member of the International Olympic Committee and of the IOC Athletes Commission.

But the duo came only fourth at the 2003 World Championships in Milan, behind Drew Ginn and James Tompkins of Australia, the Skelin brothers of Croatia and the South African bronze medallists.

This result could urge coach Jurgen Grobler to have Pinsent and Cracknell row in the men’s four at the Olympics in Athens as they did in Sydney. Great Britain’s fours narrowly failed to win gold at the World Championships in Milan last year. Perhaps the legendary pair could give them the boost they were lacking.