Polly Swann and Helen Glover had never been beaten in their limited time as a pair. But despite that streak ending in their entrance to the Tokyo Olympics, Swann has warned that the duo have a lot more to give. 

After winning Olympic silver in Rio in the women’s eight, Swann has joined up with Glover, out of retirement in search of a third gold medal having had three children since her Rio crown. 

The pair had previously enjoyed an unbeaten season in 2013, only for Glover to then reunite with Heather Stanning, with whom she had won gold in London. 

And they had continued where they had left off since Glover’s return, but in the heats at the Sea Forest Waterway, they had to settle for third behind Australia and the Russian Olympic Federation. 

That was enough to secure a spot in Tuesday’s semi-final, and Swann was not disheartened at the performance. 

She said: “I think it depends how you look at it. Obviously it’s always good to win the first rounds. Sometimes, that’s not how it happens and yet people still come away as Olympic champions. We’ve dealt well with how the race went and we’re ready to go again and learn and progress. 

“In the first couple of rounds it’s really good information gathering but you will see as a regatta progresses that things always change. You get a sense but you can never really know until the last race on the last day where people are.” 

These Games are taking place without crowds, a crying shame at a venue such as the Sea Forest Waterway, with the spectacular Tokyo Gate Bridge as backdrop, even if the windy conditions have not made life easier for the rowers. 

And while those restrictions have meant that there are no friends or family to cheer them on - in fact Glover was competing on the day her oldest son Logan celebrated his third birthday - Swann was still overwhelmed by the support the athletes have received.

“It’s been phenomenal how many people have reached out and offered their support. It’s really quite touching,” added Swann, who is able to train full-time and benefit from world class facilities, technology, coaching and support teams thanks to National Lottery funding – which has never been more important in getting her to the start line after a turbulent year.

“It’s a really lovely thing to have on the start line with you, that knowledge that people have got your back and wish you well. It’s a lovely sensation. 

“We’ve both had Olympics before and what was so unreal was that so many people come out to the Olympics. Even people who don’t have people or loved ones competing. On the start line that doesn’t make any difference, you are still there for them, and you know they are still there for you.” 

No one does more to support our Olympic and Paralympic athletes than National Lottery players, who raise around £36 million each week for good causes including grassroots and elite sport. Discover the positive impact playing the National Lottery has at http://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk and get involved by using the hashtags: #TNLAthletes #MakeAmazingHappen