OLYMPICS: Langridge hails home town support (From Northwich Guardian)

Northwich rower Matthew Langridge says support from those who have known him longest means a lot

10:35am Wednesday 1st August 2012 in Sport By Andrew Simpson, Senior Sports Writer

GOLD medal hopeful Matthew Langridge says he would not have reached the pinnacle of his sport without the help of friends from his home town.

The rower is part of Team GB’s men’s eight that races in the final at Dorney Lake today, Wednesday, where he will be watched by mentor Paul Rafferty and fellow members of Northwich Rowing Club.

Langridge, a silver medallist in the same category in Beijing four years ago, hopes to go one better on home water.

“It’s great for me to know that those people who have supported me for so long will be there to watch on what will be the most important race of my life,” he said.

“Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve what I have, so I’ll forever appreciate the part they have played.”

The 29-year-old, a former pupil at Hartford High School, reached the final after his crew finished first in a repechage on Monday morning.

They had placed second behind gold medal favourites Germany, the reigning world champions, in Saturday’s heats.