• London 2012 - Swimming

Agonising defeat for GB rowers

GB lightweight four of Peter Chambers, Richard Chambers, Chris Bartley and Rob Williams react to defeat © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Gibbons grabs silver after memorable judo run
  
• News: Slalom gold and silver for Great Britain
  

Great Britain came within 0.25 of a second of claiming gold in the men's lightweight fours, with South Africa snatching the win in the final 100m.

Schedule
Results
Medal Table

The British four of Peter and Richard Chambers, Chris Bartley and Rob Williams were never in front at any stage, but came with a withering challenge to press long-time leaders Denmark but the South Africans - James Thompson, Matthew Brittain, John Smith and Sizwe Ndlovu - finished slightly the stronger to claim Olympic gold - the first for the nation in rowing in a time of 6:02.84.

The GB quartet came into the race with wins in their heat and semi-final under their belt and were well fancied for gold.

Denmark were seen as the main dangers and that rang true for much of the race as they went out hard and had clear water at one stage.

Britain were fifth at the first checkpoint but gradually made ground and after closing to third at the halfway stage, looked like making a push for gold as they came on strong.

The Danes began to pay for their strong start and were challenged on both sides by GB and South Africa, with the latter forcing themselves ahead on the line to leave Britain in silver medal position and the Danes in third.

The United States led from start to finish to clinch Olympic gold in the women's eight, a race in which the GB team never got involved and came home fifth.

GB pair Sam Townsend and Bill Lucas failed to challenge for a medal in the final of the double sculls. They made a bright start, but faded as the pace was upped and came home in fifth behind New Zealanders Nathan Cohen and Joseph Sullivan

Lightweight Men's Four results

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.