ROWING: Archibald will go to the Olympics
COLERAINE'S Richard Archibald has secured a place in this summer's Olympics in Beijing.
Richard and his Irish team-mates have qualified for the Beijing Olympics by finishing second in the lightweight fours final in Poznan.
The Coleraine man and the other members of his quartet came home behind Germany in their Olympic qualifier in Poland on Wednesday morning.
The Irish won their heat on Monday which meant that they avoided having to compete in Tuesday's repechage.
Germany won Monday morning's other first-round heat.
Archibald was part of an crew that claimed world championship silver and bronze in 2005 and 2006 but the Irish boat struggled badly in 2007 and found themselves in the unlikely position of still having to qualify for Beijing.
Based on results so far this season they were ranked second behind Germany of the countries who had yet to qualify, but in what amounted to a sudden death final on Wednesday, there was no room for mistakes.
Archibald wasn't taking anything for granted and knew that there was still work to be done to secure their place in Beijing.
"No-one can be taken for granted as it is last chance, people will throw the kitchen sink at the race," said the Coleraine Inst old boy.
"That will make every other crew dangerous, but we have to remember that we can only get the most out of our boat, and attempt to cover the 2000m as quickly as we can."
The Irish boat have had a good start to the year after a poor 2007.
All this after they claimed world championship silver and bronze in 2005 and 2006.
Archibald was also part of the Irish crew who finished sixth in Athens four years ago, but they now find themselves in the unlikely position of still having to qualify for Beijing.
However, Archibald and his team-mates have shown more encouraging form this season, with the return of Gearoid Towey, appearing to strengthen the Irish boat.
There has also been a further late change to the Irish crew ahead of Poznan with Cathal Moynihan replacing Eugene Coakley, who has moved to the lightweight double alongside his brother Richard.
John Holland has also been brought in to coach the lightweight four and his input appears to have boosted the Irish crew.
Archibald thoughh has been pleased with their form going into the qualifiers.
"Recent training has gone well and we have focused on learning from each race so try to improve our performances.
"With regards to the qualifier it is just another race and must be treated as such.
"We put ourselves under pressure for each race and aim to replicate good performances from training, so that will be no different in Poland."
The top two boats across the line in that final on Wednesday will secure Olympic qualification.
In winning their heats the Irish and German fours benefit from a rest day today (Tuesday). The remaining ten crews must race again in the repechages for just four places in the final.
ALAN CAMPBELL
Meanwhile fellow Coleraine oarsman, Alan Campbell, misses the final World Cup regatta of the season in Poland.
The former Coleraine Inst pupil will not compete in Poznan as a precaution, after he underwent minor surgery at the weekend to clear up an infection in his knee.
Campbell, who was fourth in the recent World Cup regatta in Lucerne, is expected to commence training later this week.
25-year-old Campbell and his fellow GB team member, Coleraine's Richard Chambers, are being championed as Northern Ireland's best medal hopes in this summer's Beijing Olympics.
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Weather for Coleraine
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
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