As the Paris Olympics loom at the end of July, many of us will passionately cheer on Team Ireland. We’ll vicariously experience the lows and hopefully the highs of the athletes before settling back into our ordinary routines. Yet can you envision being a parent, sibling or relative of an Olympic competitor, enduring a roller coaster of emotions as the Games unfold, and witnessing the struggles and dedication adhered to through years of intensive training?
Take the case of Aidan Lynch, the father of Finn Lynch, who hails from Carlow and will compete in the ILCA7 class sailing in Paris. For Aidan, having an Olympian son is a matter of enormous pride. Finn’s exceptional talent in sailing was apparent from his early years. Aidan recollects Finn’s obsession with sailing, his determination and commitment, stemming from growing up around his older brothers absorbing all the insights he could.
Finn turning out to be the first Irishman to claim victory in the British topper Championship was momentous. This accomplishment marked a turning point when observers started appreciating his undeniable potential. A regular weekend for the Lynch family involved training events and competitions, with Aidan playing an active role in various aspects such as rescue and sustenance.
Finn’s journey hasn’t been easy; he missed out on qualifiers for Tokyo 2020, which was initially perceived as his destined Olympic appearance. Hence, qualifying for Paris has been a significant achievement for him and a proud moment for the family.
The journey of these athletes involves unthinkable sacrifices. They miss out on ordinary experiences of youngsters in their 20s due to a disciplined lifestyle that includes constant training and strict dietary regulations.
Finn’s competition consists of the best from all over the globe, and the difference between competitors is minuscule. The first challenge is breaking into the top 10 for the medal race, and then the numbers will indicate the probability of earning a medal.
The stress accompanying such events can be quite overwhelming, yet one learns to manage it over time. When a series of 10 races is lined up within a week, it can indeed feel torturous. A typical race spans approximately 60 minutes, but there have been occasions when the participants have spent an entire day at sea, awaiting favourable winds. They may return to shore without accomplishing much, or manage to fit in a race close to the evening. Weather plays a pivotal role in this sporting activity, and one must exhibit considerable resilience in maintaining focus throughout, keeping warm, and being ready to commence at a moment’s notice.
I will be travelling to Marseilles with my wife Nadine, accompanied by Grainne, Finn’s mother, and his siblings, Ben and Rory, along with Rory’s spouse Caroline and their infant. Finn’s partner, Eline, will also be present with us. I recall a small gathering of supporters dressed in green that thronged the beach every day during the Rio event. I imagine a similar scenario unfolding in Marseilles.
Our schedule post the Olympics is flexible. If Finn excels and we need to hurry back home, we will, or if there is scope for us to take it slow and reflect on the events, we will do that too. We haven’t made any concrete plans as we prefer not to get ahead of ourselves. Our primary objective is to extend our support to Finn.
As a father of Daniel Wiffen, a globally acclaimed swimmer who’s set to compete in the 800m and 1500m freestyle categories and the 10km open-water event, I eagerly anticipate the Paris event. Rachel, Daniel’s mother, has even started creating a checklist of all the tasks that need our attention, despite her usual disdain for lists. Each time I log into our computer, I find evidence of Rachel having placed yet another order, for example, decorative streamers for our residence. Ireland is banking on Daniel to fetch a gold medal. However, it’s daunting to realise that there are five other equally adept competitors this year. I predict the world record would be surpassed at least once during the event. This particular gathering of such high calibre swimmers hasn’t been witnessed at a common venue for the past six decades. I believe that out of the ten fastest recorded times, seven of those individuals will be participants in this race.
Although Daniel was a decent young swimmer, he was not extraordinary in the beginning. His proficiency in the sport has grown significantly over the past three years. He has participated in both the European and World Junior Championship but until recently was often overlooked. His qualification for the Tokyo events was rather unexpected for all. Having had previous experience, Daniel is somewhat prepared for what awaits him. However, he mentions that the roar from the audience, especially during the quest for gold or breaking a world record, can be overwhelming.
We, as his parents, serve as his emotional pillars. Our purpose is to keep him focused and balanced. We keep in touch several times a day. Our family unit is tight-knit. Daniel receives emotional support not only from us, but also from his siblings. His sister Beth doesn’t swim, but his elder brother Ben holds the position of head swimming coach in Enniskillen. Also, his twin brother Nathan is serious about swimming and has even represented Ireland in the European Championships, finishing in forth position.
Nathan has been Daniel’s training ally for a decade and has always stood by him. He attempted for the Olympics trials as well but fell short of the qualifying time. It has been a challenging journey for Nathan, constantly being compared to Daniel. Nonetheless, their bond as twins is precious and they take care of each other, living under the same roof.
I wish for Daniel to bag a medal considering the efforts he has put in. It’s not about being the first Irish male to win an Olympic medal in swimming but more about him deserving a win. I understand that every finalist’s parents would feel their child deserves to win too. Nonetheless, I believe that Daniel’s dedication and sacrifices warrant a win. Should he not perform at his best, managing his emotions would be the most challenging part. His performance in the Fukuoka world championship last summer, where he claimed two fourth positions, hit him quite hard. However, he learned and improved from that experience.
We have leased a pair of chalets in Paris for the family. After some effort, we managed to secure tickets for all of his swimming events. We’ll probably revisit his performances at one of the three Irish houses in Paris dedicated for Team Ireland. We intend to be there to support the rest of the Irish competitors as well.
Fintan McCarthy, renowned for rowing in the men’s lightweight doubles event with his partner Paul O’Donovan, will be sticking around a day or two following the Olympics before heading home. Fintan, who is known not just for his skill on the water but his familial care and devotion, is understood to particularly aid his brother Nathan a great deal. Besides extending invaluable support to his sibling, he never misses a chance to spare his precious time for fans. The recent signing event at a neighbourhood swimming pool in Portadown and a comprehensive half-hour poolside Q&A are a testament to this.
Fintan’s mother, Sue McCarthy, gives us an insight into the challenges of having an Olympian for a son. Sporting her son’s gold medal from the Tokyo Olympics, she acknowledges the immense pressure her lads, Fin and Paul, face as the favourites and defending champions. She understands the unpredictable nature of the sport, highlighting an instance where one of the top boats tipped over during a heat in Tokyo. Despite the pressure and uncertainties, the duo shows promise in training, with both ability and strength being their forte.
The prospect of being an Olympian’s mother can be daunting according to Sue. The intense anticipation during every race is agonizing, although the overwhelming pride brings her much joy. She witnesses their perseverance and grit firsthand, navigating through the highs and lows. Sue recalls an incident during the European Championships when Fintan endured a severe bronchial infection, leading him to empathise with his parents’ anxiety as he watched his twin Jake row.
Sue takes immense pride in Fintan’s resilience and unwavering determination amidst varying fortunes. He transformed from a young lad with an aversion to sport into an Olympic champion with a clear vision and ambition. This astonishing transition never fails to amaze Sue.
Jake, the twin brother of Fin, faces his own hardships. Jake’s girlfriend Aoife Casey is a fellow competitor. Jake’s rowing career was interrupted by a back injury years ago, and he has been battling to return to his sport. His resilient spirit is commendable; it merits an award in its own right. Rowers harness impressive mental fortitude, and Jake has leaned on this during his journey. His triumphant return to the team, all while maintaining a positive outlook, is a testament to his determination. While they both are still quite early in their careers, Jake is faced with a critical decision as this year marks the end of lightweight rowing as an Olympic event.
Jake and Fin took up rowing relatively late at 15 but showed promise early in their training. Initial encouragement suggested that they could scale great heights if they invested their time and energy into the sport. However, proving themselves on the international scene took some time, with early placings generally falling between third and fifth. Being aware of the reality that an Olympic appearance was within their grasp was motivational. Having fellow rowers like Gary and Paul O’Donovan in close proximity, sharing meals and conversation, provided a tangible vision of what was possible. This cannot be underestimated.
The entire family, including my husband Tom, Fin’s sister Caitlin, and my sister Rachel will accompany us to Paris to watch the competition. After the pandemic denied us this opportunity last year, being able to spectate will be a welcome change. The atmosphere without spectators must have been eerie for the athletes. We aim to return home ahead of Fin to set up a hearty welcome. The spectacle that followed the Tokyo games was unforgettable, with our community waiting with baited breath, banners, and bonfires. The path from the town of Skibbereen to our home was thronged with familiar faces from Fin’s childhood.
Skibbereen Rowing Club is a remarkable institution. The key principle is to show young athletes that they can reach the pinnacle of the sport, and that they will be backed every step of the way.
Niamh Casey
Niamh is the sister of Aoife Casey, who will represent the country in the lightweight doubles alongside Margaret Cremen.
Aoife is experiencing her second Olympics, and we’re considerably more relaxed this time around. Nonetheless, we cannot contain our joy for her and the sense of pride we carry. It’s an enormous accomplishment. Rowing has been part of Aoife’s life since she was just 10 and her dedication has been unyielding. The Olympic opportunity she and her partner, Mags, are given is much deserved.
Our father, Dominic, happens to be her coach and it was he who introduced us to rowing early in our lives. We also participated in a local school’s rowing programme organised by Skibbereen Rowing Club during our primary school years. Both our parents have a rich history with the sport. Dad’s an eight-time Irish champion, while Mum clinched the title four times. Not to mention her triathlon and marathon feats. Sports have always been a big part of our lives.
Like Aoife, I too was a rower, starting at age nine up till 24. I even shared a boat with Niamh in our junior years, and together we managed to score four Irish National Championship titles. However, with the advent of Covid, I decided to focus attention on my master’s degree and career. Rowing is not a sport you can take lightly. It requires full commitment: you’re either all in, training twice a day, or not at all. And this reasonably summarises our family — wholeheartedly committed to rowing.
In a sense, Aoife’s situation is unique because we all comprehend the sport intimately and can discuss it casually at home. That said, we also touch on regular topics. This balance is crucial because being a full-time athlete can be quite demanding. Having Dad as her coach is a blessing. He showers immense support and keeps her and the entire team motivated.
The path to success in rowing comes with significant sacrifices, which is why it’s refreshing that Skibbereen Rowing Club stands by their athletes. Aoife constantly talks about how she wishes to reciprocate the club’s support, and for her, excelling in her performance is her way of giving back. Seeing fellow club members like Gary and Paul [O’Donovan] thrive at the Olympics was hugely inspirational for her. Having the chance to row alongside such esteemed athletes at practice was incredible motivation for the younger lot. Success really does beget success and nowhere is this more evident than in Skibbereen. Striving for the pinnacle is second nature to everyone here.
Setting off on July 21st, I will be embarking on a thrilling journey to Paris, in accompaniment of 20 rowers and allies from the rowing club, for the esteemed Olympics. This adventure is about 680km long and will take us five days, during which my mother, Eleanor and my aunt, Catherina, will join us for the Irish segment. Once we arrive in Paris, I’ll be staying with my parents, my sister Caoimhe, my brother Dominic, and our aunts. We are eager to not just watch all of the rowing events, but also to savour the famous sights of Paris.
As for the predictions regarding Aoife and Mags’ performances, I would rather refrain from making any. It goes without saying that I truly wish for them to excel. Given the tightly competitive nature of lightweight rowing, the races often finish with just milliseconds separating the top three. It wouldn’t be far-fetched to say that any of the top eight Olympic teams could potentially win a medal. So, my hope really is that they qualify for the A final and are contented by their performance. Watching them compete is indeed nerve-wracking and can cause a great deal of stress.