Thunderstorms delay rowing crews

Thunderstorms over the Shunyi Olympic rowing venue have delayed the start of three semi-finals involving Great Britain crews.

Helen Casey and Hester Goodsell were due to race in the lightweight women’s double sculls semi-final at 3.30pm local time (8.30am Irish time), with the lightweight men’s double sculls and lightweight men’s four to follow.

But competition was delayed for a second time by officials after Shunyi was hit by torrential rain, thunder and lightning.

The first delay had only affected the minor races, which were moved from the start to the end of the day’s programmes.