London 2012: Melanie Wilson crashes to last place finish in quadruple sculls

Nick Wright
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
12:53 PM

Olympic rowing: 1. Ukraine 2. Germany 3. USA 4. Australia 5.China 6. Great Britain

Londoner Melanie Wilson suffered disappointment in the women’s quadruple sculls final as Great Britain struggled to a sixth place finish at Eton Dorney.

The British quad needed to get off to a flying start to stand any chance of keeping pace with a high quality field.

But a sluggish opening left Wilson and teammates Debbie Flood, Frances Houghton and Beth Rodford with a mountain climb.

As the unstoppable Ukranian crew powered to gold, Great Britain were left a long way back in last place, unable to even challenge China for fifth place.

It was a huge disappointment for the British crew, whose superb sprint in the final 500metres of the repechage provided a glimpse of their potential ahead of the final.

Silver and bronze were claimed by Germany and USA, as Great Britain were left to reflect on an opportunity missed.