Rowing: Evers-Swindells set a course for Beijing

By DAVID LEGGAT

Expect Caroline and Georgina Evers-Swindell to chase back-to-back Olympic golds in Beijing in 2008.

The double sculls Olympic champions and two-time world champions dropped enough clear signs in the wake of their gold-medal row at Lake Schinias to make it obvious they want to be in China to defend their title.

They enjoyed the top-of-the-world feeling on Saturday, know how much it has taken to get to there and want to stick around for a while.

They also want coach Dick Tonks, the person they call the third part of their team, along for the ride.

"It's been a pretty big year for us," Georgina Evers-Swindell said.

"But even though it's been tough, we both think that it's taken so long to get to this stage and we're loving it.

"We've talked about it quite a few times that we want to carry on and do another four years. It's taken us six or seven years to get here and why not make the most of it"

"If Richard wants to carry on coaching us then we want to carry on doing it, for sure."

Her sister said they would get away from boats for a time, but not because they were sick of the sight of them. "I wouldn't mind jumping in a boat tomorrow," Caroline said, "but a break would be very healthy."

Although he is coy on the subject, expect Tonks to be back on board for Beijing.