Olympics: Rowing heroes cheer for Ulmer

By STUART DYE

Golden twins Caroline and Georgina Evers-Swindell were at the Olympic velodrome to watch Sarah Ulmer race for gold in the 3000m individual pursuit early this morning.

They were looking forward to being part of the crowd, their mother, Fran, said last night.

With their race behind them the twins were looking forward to "enjoying the events and the occasion".

Mrs Evers-Swindell said the family never doubted that the twins would win - once they were out in front.

Hornby and Fran Evers-Swindell watched the race at their Hastings home in the company of family and friends.

"A lot of people were frightened by the German team catching them, but the girls knew it was 2000m and they knew exactly where they were," said Mrs Evers-Swindell.

"We would never take anything for granted, and it was worrying the number of people saying it was a certainty.

"But once they were in front we were sure there would be no catching them."

Mrs Evers-Swindell said watching the race was an "amazing but unreal" experience.

"It's hard to comprehend that they are our children while people are making such a fuss over them."

But she admitted struggling to find the words to describe her feelings. "I think I need professional development on how to cope with this."

After the race, the relatives and friends went home and Mr and Mrs Evers-Swindell, "being country people", went to bed.

"But we struggled to go to sleep so ended up watching more of the Olympics.

"It's absolutely all-consuming."