Paris 2024: Croatia’s Sinkovic brothers eye third Olympic gold

Valent and Martin Sinkovic are eyeing a third gold at the Paris Olympics. GETTY IMAGES

Martin Sinkovic, the youngest of Croatia’s renowned rowing brothers, is certain about their feelings as they aim for a third Olympic gold in Paris. Since starting their training in 1999, Zagreb-born brothers Martin and Valent have amassed dozens of medals, including European and world titles.

At the 2012 London Olympics, they won silver in the quadruple sculls before striking gold in the double sculls in Rio in 2016, and again in the men’s pair in Tokyo five years later, which is the event they will compete in at Paris.

“The feeling is the same as the first time,” Martin told AFP in an interview after a morning session at Peruca Lake in southern Croatia, where the pair traditionally conduct their final preparations for major competitions.

“Everything we wanted to achieve we have achieved and after all the medals, I can honestly say the feeling (about the Olympics) is the same as the first time,” 34-year-old Martin said.

“The Olympics are special. All the athletes, all the sports together, it’s a very special feeling. It’s never easier and it’s never less fun than the first time. I expect a lot of tough races and a lot of fun.”

Valent (L) and Martin (R) Sinkovic are eyeing a third gold at Paris 2024. GETTY IMAGES
Valent (L) and Martin (R) Sinkovic are eyeing a third gold at Paris 2024. GETTY IMAGES

The duo hope to keep competing until the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, but their immediate goal is gold in Paris. “We are always expecting to be in the battle for the gold medal and I expect it again now. I hope we can achieve it,” Martin said.

Valent noted that while this will be their fourth Olympic Games, it will be the first one where we are not the favourites based on this year’s results. “It’s a bit strange and different feeling, but if we do our best we can fight for the gold,” he said.

“We narrowly missed winning against the Swiss team who are the current world champions, so it showed us we are on the right path. We are in a good position. We can’t wait for the Olympics to start to see where we are.”

The pair credit their long-time coach Nikola Bralic as crucial to their success, with their parents and wives also offering support in the stressful sporting environment. Their brotherly bond, however, has been fundamental to their enduring achievements.

“Without Bralic we certainly would not be what we are, we would not be on the top for so long,” Martin said. “We certainly wouldn’t last that long if we were not brothers,” said Valent. “We’re connected, it’s easier to forgive a brother and you can understand him better than someone else.”



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