Listen to the reactions from athletes, families and friends in Lucerne after the finals of the the 2024 World Rowing Final Olympic and Paralympic Qualification Regatta.
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00:00 Congratulations, I think this must be an incredibly special moment that came down to the wire.
00:06 Do you think you can talk me through the last couple hundred metres of that race?
00:10 Yeah, about 1000m was already quite hard. I thought we're not going to make it.
00:16 But yeah, young guys still can push, we did well.
00:20 You mentioned the young guys, so this is your, officially you've qualified for your sixth Olympic Games.
00:26 How does that feel?
00:28 It didn't make my life easier.
00:33 Honestly girls, so impressive. Obviously I'm biased, but I think watching you guys come down the course made me so so proud.
00:43 I think the way you guys approached the race was so impressive and I just saw it all, you leave it out there.
00:49 How are you feeling? What are the emotions?
00:51 I think when we crossed the line we were kind of just like, what just happened kind of thing.
00:56 It's just sinking in now, but so proud of us for coming this far.
01:01 I thought we've worked so hard together with Nick and we're just beyond proud of each other and the whole team.
01:07 Yeah, it feels really special.
01:10 And now you can officially say you're going to be an Olympian.
01:13 You've booked your tickets to Paris, how does that feel?
01:16 It's pretty cool, yeah. I don't have much else to say.
01:19 I feel like when we were racing I didn't even realise where we were until we finished.
01:23 And I was like, oh my God, so it takes me a bit longer than Kate Croat to set in.
01:27 Tom, you've just watched your daughter not only qualify, but qualify in an incredibly impressive manner for the Paris Olympic Games.
01:37 How are you feeling? What are the emotions?
01:39 The emotions are always excitement and nerves. Nerves more than excitement.
01:44 But just to see it, the huge relief of going to Paris is enormous for my daughter and for the crew, the whole of the crew.
01:51 They really, really wanted out and they got it.
01:54 You have had a first-hand seat in all the work and the effort and the ups and downs it takes to get to this moment.
02:01 What can you say about her journey to this date?
02:04 Well, the journey's been... I mean, she was first selected for Ireland this month last year, so she's not been rowing long.
02:11 But certainly in the camp, there's a huge amount of effort that goes into it.
02:15 People watching who don't have a relative in a boat really don't know how much goes into it.
02:21 And it is highs and lows, and the lows can be very low, but the highs can be extraordinary.
02:27 Now, congratulations, you've officially qualified for Paris.
02:31 We've actually just spoken to your dad, who also had a very emotional journey watching the race.
02:36 Can you tell us how you're feeling?
02:38 Oh, like, can't describe. I don't think it's set in yet, do you know what I mean?
02:43 How was the race, and when did you know, "Okay, actually, this is a possibility"?
02:48 I think right from the word go, I think we knew we had a good shot, and it was just about staying calm in the moment.
02:53 We've just watched both lightweight doubles qualify.
03:00 Win, win, win!
03:02 What does that mean to you guys?
03:04 It feels great. It was amazing. All the stress, all the final.
03:08 And now it will be a very good race and a very good party tonight.
03:13 A good party tonight, and potentially some good parties in Paris 2024.
03:17 Of course, of course. We have to train a lot to go to Paris, and now to win the Olympic final and the Olympic gold medal.
03:25 Congratulations, enjoy the celebrations, and good luck for the Olympics.
03:30 Thanks a lot.
03:31 What does this moment mean for you?
03:37 It means everything, because many, many sacrifices, but it means a pleasure to be here, to row with Laura, with all the things it implies.
03:49 So it was so cool.
03:51 And it's the home Olympic Games. We're about to see maybe the French men's double qualify as well.
03:57 It's amazing. The country is behind us, so it's very cool.
04:03 And here is the men's double, so we are a lightweight team on the front.
04:08 Congratulations. France rowing looks exciting for Paris. All the best for the build-up and nicer.
04:14 Thank you very much.
04:16 Tell us, what are the emotions running through you right now?
04:23 I don't know. I can't say anything. She's put everything into the last two years since he was born.
04:29 She's not even two yet, and she's managed to qualify for the Olympics. It's just amazing.
04:33 When I became pregnant, it kind of changed my outlook on things.
04:39 And for me, I don't think having a baby should be the end of a career.
04:43 Yes, rowing is a whole body thing, but actually it's a great way to get back into sport.
04:47 And I think for me, my identity is obviously a mum, but it's also an athlete.
04:51 And I'm definitely a better mum for rowing, and I'm a much better athlete for him.
04:55 So if anyone out there is considering whether it's possible or not, it's hard.
05:00 Your recovery is terrible at times, but you never get stuck into the stress bubble.
05:04 And I'm lucky I've got a really understanding doubles partner,
05:07 who her and my coach go out their way to allow it to be possible.
05:10 Whether I lose childcare or anything, they're flexible.
05:13 [Music]
05:20 (ding)