Beijing, 11 August – Comments from Italy’s Andrea MARCACCINI (ITA), after Italy won the gold medal, and from Germany’s Alexander Schiller (GER) after Germany won bronze, in the Junior Men’s Coxed Four, Final A.

Andrea MARCACCINI (ITA)

On when they knew they could win:

“Near the end, around 500 meters out. At the end, we couldn’t believe we had won. Germany made a quick start, and New Zealand rowed faster too. Then we began to row faster. Gradually, around 1500 meters, we moved into first.”

On their ambition:

“Our aim is the Olympic Games, the most fantastic event. I will continue my rowing career.”

On the reason they won:

“Because we believed that we could win.”

Alexander SCHILLER (GER)

On the race:

“I don’t know why we couldn’t row as fast as before. We don’t know what happened today because the race before was better for us. I don’t know. Sometimes you don’t know why you aren’t as fast as you can be.”

On the feeling:

“We are very disappointed.”

NS lj/jp