Every last ounce.
Gary and Paul O'Donovan could hear the tumult in the stands as they neared the finish of their Men's Lightweight Doubles Sculls final. They couldn't pick out any Skib accents but they knew their family and friends were in there, cheering their lungs out.
Renowned as strong finishers, the Cork brothers dug deep and, in their own, brilliant words, pulled like dogs.
They ever so nearly pipped the French pair that had magnificently led from the start. Just over half a second separated them from their hard-won silver medals and true immortality.
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The rowers had sank body, sweat and soul into the biggest race of their lives and they were given a heroes' reception as they pulled up to the dock. It only became apparent, then, just how much of themselves they had spent for silver.
Gary was first out of the vessel, crawling on hands and legs, and had to sit. There was no power in his legs. Paul followed him out and was in a bigger jock.
What happened next summed up the class that the brothers carry themselves with. Gary crawled over to the Norwegian crew and congratulated them both on their bronze medals.
The lads had little left to give but still handed out the kind words to beaten foes, and soon found the victorious French to pass on their best.
Marvellous stuff.
Exclusive interview with Paraic Duffy on the latest GAA Hour. Subscribe here on iTunes.
