Ireland’s Olympic victors, Paul O’Donovan and Fintan McCarthy, have dismissed any suggestions that their successful duo act at the Paris Olympics was due to “telepathy” or mind games. The gold medallists from Ireland explained that they’ve teamed up and rehearsed for an extended period, and during that time, they’ve developed an “algorithm” of sorts that allows them to instinctively react to situations as they reach the end of the race.
According to Paul O’Donovan, the essential element is being wholly absorbed in the task at hand and concentrating on their respective roles in the boat. He also added that their many years of partnership, countless races and thorough discussions about various race scenarios have honed their intuitive skills.
While talking on the Brendan O’Connor Show on RTÉ Radio 1 on Saturday, the rowers revealed they never presume they’re guaranteed to win. According to Fintan McCarthy, it’s more about knowing they’re at their peak performance level.
By assessing their speed against other crews throughout the regatta, early rounds, heats and semi-finals, they gain an understanding of how well they’re doing. McCarthy added that they knew they were in great form and their goal was to give an excellent performance, of course, with the hope that their effort would allow them to cross the finish line first.
O’Donovan and McCarthy are also looking forward to participating in future Olympic games. Responding to O’Connor’s query if they would consider another Olympics, O’Donovan said, “I think so. A few left in us hopefully.”