Ireland have their first gold medal of the Tokyo Olympics.
Rowers Paul O'Donovan and Fintan McCarthy powered home overnight to take first in the men's lightweight double sculls.
They finished ahead of Germany in a time of 6.06.43 at the Sea Forest Waterway.
It's Ireland's second rowing medal in as many days after the women's four won bronze on Wednesday.
OLYMPIC CHAMPIONS! 🥇
What a morning in Tokyo as Fintan McCarthy & Paul O’Donovan claimed gold to be crowned Olympic champions in a thrilling Lightweight Men’s Double final that saw them cross the line in a time of 6:06.43.
What a day! 🇮🇪💚🥇🇮🇪💚🥇#TeamIreland #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/Gltt8ZcmsR— Team Ireland (@TeamIreland) July 29, 2021
The Cork pair's gold success is a first for Ireland in rowing and just a third-ever in the sport.
O'Donovan had previously medalled in 2016 when he won silver alongside his brother Gary in memorable fashion, also in the double sculls.
For Ireland, the success represents the first gold medal since Katie Taylor in London nine years ago.
Hopes were high for the Irish boat after O'Donovan and McCarthy set a quick pace in the semi-finals on Wednesday.
The Skibbereen duo posted a world's best time in winning their semi-final in 6:05.33.
There was disappointment overnight, however, for another medal hopeful.
Sanita Puspure finished fifth in her single sculls semi-final and has to settle for a place in the B final on Thursday.
Aileen Crowley and Monika Dukarska will also compete in the B final of the women's pair.
They finished in fifth place.
Aoife Casey and Margaret Cremen were second in the lightweight double sculls B final.
Indeed are proud to support Team Ireland at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Indeed believes the world works better when people are given every opportunity to unleash their true talents. #TalentUnleashed
