Podcasts

Off The Bench: Trailblazing rower Frances Cryan on competing at Moscow 1980

Cliona Foley speaks to Irish Olympic rower Frances Cryan about her success at Moscow 1980. Frances competed in Russia, where she just missed a place in the single sculls final by 1600th of a second. She was only 20 at the time and actually trained with Steve Redgrave and the Americans in subsequent years yet, despite going to Dublin to get her Olympic uniform in 1984 - she wasn't sent to the Los Angeles Olympics! The decision on Los Angeles was made only six weeks beforehand and made because those choosing 'didn't think she'd make the final'. It soured her relationship with the sport and she quit some years later but she is still very passionate about rowing and the Olympics. Give it a listen! see more