Great Britain missed out on an Olympic podium finish in the quadruple sculls on Thursday as they had to settle for a bitterly disappointing 4th place at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium in Paris. Competing in the quad was Graham Thomas, the sole survivor from the Tokyo crew three years ago, with Matthew Haywood, Thomas Barras and Twickenham's very own Callum Dixon.
The reigning World and Olympic champions from the Netherlands took the early lead with Italy close in second. Poland were also in the mix with Great Britain just behind in fourth. By the 1000m mark the Netherlands were looking absolutely dominant as they edged ahead leaving the fight for silver and bronze to Great Britain, Italy and Poland. The latter two swapped leads back and forth in the third quarter as nothing but a canvas separated them. Great Britain stayed in touch but were running out of course in order to make a decisive move. As the pace lifted in the final 500m the race was still on for silver as Italy just about held off a late charge from Poland with Great Britain missing out.
It has been a pleasure watching Callum Dixon develop as a rower at the club over the years as part of the GB Start programme and we are immensely proud of his achievements in Paris. Roll on Los Angeles 2028!
Netherlands power across the finish line to defend their Olympic title.
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