Rhys Grant in action.
Camera IconRhys Grant in action. Credit: Supplied/Alexander Hassenstein

Rio Olympics: Dianella’s Rhys Grant misses out on spot in men’s rowing single sculls final

Kristie LimEastern Reporter

DIANELLA rower Rhys Grant’s dream Olympic run has come to an end after placing fifth in the men’s singles sculls second semi-finals at Rio on Friday.

Nicknamed “The Pres”, Grant faced experienced campaigners including reigning Olympic champion Mahé Drysdale and fell just short of a place in the A final.

His time of 7 minutes and 14 seconds sees him lining up in Saturday’s B final, which is a consolation race.

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Despite the rainy weather where the water was slow with no wind, two-time President’s Scull winner Grant made a powerful start in lane five.

The West Australian Rowing Club member finished the first lap in fourth after Drysdale, 2012 London bronze medalist Alan Campbell from Great Britain and Belgium star Hannes Obreno.

EARLIER: Dianella’s Rhys Grant secures semi-final spot

Grant and Obreno were neck and neck throughout the second lap, while five-time world champion Drysdale extended his lead to half a boat length.

In the third lap, Drysdale was one boat length in front of Campbell, while Obreno and Grant who were battling hard to gain an advantage over each other.

A quick ending 15m to the line from Grant saw the Aussie overtake Campbell to finish the lap in third place behind Drysdale and Obreno.

However, Grant and Campbell faded quickly in the final lap and fell behind the pack.

Surprise packet Stanislau Shcharbachenia from Belarus never stopped fighting and even challenged Drysdale at the end of the race, who cruised his way into first place.

The three rowers going through to the final were Drysdale with a fast time of 7 minutes and 3 seconds, Shcharbachenia (7:06.69) and Obreno (7:06.76).

Grant’s last race will be in the men’s single sculls B final tomorrow at 9.10pm.