Croatia's Sinkovic brothers are large, likeable, and really good at rowing. We caught up with them after the final of the Men's Pair in Tokyo, where they became the first athletes to be World, European and Olympic champs in both the Men's Pair and the Men's Double.
row2k: Third Olympics. Third boat. Third medal.
Valent Sinkovic: Sounds really good!
row2k: Which was your least favorite?
V. Sinkovic: The first one, of course, because we were only second.
Martin Sinkovic: We were the favorite, and we came second.
V. Sinkovic: But to be honest, I think the organization in London and in Tokyo is perfect. In Rio, it was a little bit less than perfect, but of course, when you win gold, that's the best.
row2k: What is the plan for Paris? When will you be in for that?
V. Sinkovic: We're going to have a rest, and we won't row the pair anymore.
M. Sinkovic: That's for sure.
V. Sinkovic: Five years is enough. It's challenging, especially for scullers. We went from down to up to down, and lots of times like that, and we are satisfied with everything. We can close it. Probably for the first year, we will go in a double, but we'll see. Maybe if there will be someone in Croatia to row four, we'll see.
Interviewer: You still think of yourselves as scullers?
V. Sinkovic: Yeah, definitely!
M. Sinkovic: We won the pair, but I think we are scullers, and it was really difficult to adapt - not that much the sweep rowing, but that the pair is really special. We have a lot of challenges there, and I think we managed it well - psychologically. I think it really helps that we are brothers because, if we are not, I think we will have much more fighting in the boat. When it's not going good, you know, the pair is really special, but I'm happy with Valent. We passed through that, and we are ready for everything.
row2k: A few people in the press grandstand were saying, "I wonder what would have happened if the Sinkovics raced the Kiwi pair.
M. Sinkovic: Oh. I think the Kiwi pair is better.
V. Sinkovic: I think we are not on that level.
M. Sinkovic: Maybe if we had some tougher competition every year, maybe we will be better, because they will push us. I think they are a better pair.
V. Sinkovic: I agree. Maybe if we race them in a few years, then we will adapt, but I think for now, they are better.
Interviewer: What was the last thing you said to each other before the race?
M. Sinkovic: Just a few technical things that we need to think about during the race, but we executed the plan exactly as we talked with our coach. We wanted to be really fast from 250 to 1,000 meters, and to be in front and to see everyone in the field. We knew that Romania will be the toughest competition on the second 1000 meters, and we just reacted to what they are doing, so we are really happy.
Interviewer: You are very happy guys. Do you ever get nervous?
V. Sinkovic: Of course! We always get nervous before the race. A lot of young rowers ask us that. "Are you nervous before the race?" We are always nervous before the race. That means that the race means something to you, and it's normal, so we are used to that feeling. Nervous is good, I think. It gets your adrenaline up, so I think it's good in rowing. It's normal. If you see as like happy guys, that's good. It's nice to hear that.
Interviewer: You do always seem to be in a good mood. Maybe that's because you're always winning.
M. Sinkovic: Yeah! When you win, you are always in a good mood. It helps.
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