Welshpool’s Ollie “proud” of Olympic silver

Welshpool was celebrating a rowing silver medal at the Paris Olympics yesterday, but Ollie Wynne-Griffith says he will be plotting his next move after a “long holiday”.

The grandson of well-known former dentists Mike and Jean Wynne-Griffith and son of Richard from Welshpool, crossed the line just inches behind Croatian pair Martin and Valent Sinkovic.

It was tough for Ollie, and partner Tom George, who had led throughout but were pipped at the post in the final 30 metres, and this morning he reflected on the achievement, coming three years after the pair achieved bronze in the eight-man event in Tokyo.

“No-one would have given us a hope in hell doing it (three years ago), so at the end of the day we have to be proud of what we have done,” Ollie told Radio Wales Breakfast.

“After originally crossing the line, there were super mixed feelings after leading for so long. What might have been.

“But, looking back at the race, for me, we couldn’t have done anything different and had the perfect row, the best we have ever done together. For 1,970m it was perfect. We rowed ourselves to a standstill and it has left me with a strong feeling of pride rather than bittersweet.

“We left it all out there. I am very proud of the rowing and the performance.”

Ollie and childhood friend Tom decided to pair up after Tokyo with the former being the one to switch sides and learn a new technique.

The pair have flourished with a European title last year, and “after a long holiday” will plot the next move.

After bronze in Tokyo, and silver in Paris, Ollie was understandably put on the spot about a bid to complete a full house in Los Angeles in four years’ time.

“I need a good sleep and a long holiday first! But, hopefully, we’ll put ourselves on the top step,” he said.

What British Rowing says about Ollie Wynne-Griffith:

The youngest of three brothers, he grew up dreaming of playing international rugby for Wales, inspired by his idol Alun Wyn Jones. However, multiple shoulder injuries led him to rowing, where he found his true calling, joining the GB Rowing Team in 2017.

Since then he has won medals on both bowside and strokeside, including Olympic Bronze medal in the Men’s Eight at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Games, and now Pairs silver in Paris.

Ollie majored in politics at Yale University in the USA and later completed an MBA at Cambridge University. Passionate about giving back, Ollie dedicates his time to providing advice and mentorship to young athletes. He believes in the transformative power of sport and education and strives to guide youngsters in their sporting journeys.