The last time Eoin Rheinisch faced the media at an Olympics he had come within seconds of securing a bronze medal in Beijing.

FORMER Olympic host cities are littered with “white elephants” built in the construction frenzy that precedes the Games, but Beijing is confident its sparkling venues will not meet the same fate.

Thunderstorms over the Shunyi Olympic rowing venue have led to the cancellation of today’s programme, forcing three British crews to wait 24 hours to compete in their semi-finals.