Big-name brands will battle for Rowing's poster boys after golden achievement

From a commercial perspective, the world is their oyster. They can now command commercial deals ranging into the region of six figures per annum

Ireland’s Fintan McCarthy and Paul O’Donovan with their gold medals. Picutre: INPHO/Photosport/Steve McArthur

To be an Olympian is a huge achievement. You are immortalised in history, forever part of the most elite group of people in the world. This is especially so in a small country like Ireland where may past Olympians have become household names. Think Sonia O’Sullivan, Thomas Barr, David Gillick, and of course, Katie Taylor.

This week Fintan McCarthy and Paul O’Donovan made history and reached the pinnacle of their sport by winning gold at the Tokyo games. But what does that mean, to stand on the top step of that podium?