Since they began their rowing journey in 1999, Martin and Valent Sinkovic, born and raised in Zagreb, Croatia, have cemented their legacy in the sport. With numerous medals to their name, including European and world titles, the brothers are now setting their sights on a third Olympic gold at the Paris 2024 Games. Ok
Their Olympic journey began with a silver medal in the quadruple sculls at the 2012 London Olympics. They then struck gold in the double sculls in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and again in the men's pair at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Now, they are ready to compete in the men's pair once more in Paris.
"The feeling is the same as the first time," Martin Sinkovic, 34, shared in an interview with AFP after a morning training session at Peruca Lake in southern Croatia, their traditional preparation site for major competitions. "Everything we wanted to achieve we have achieved, and after all the medals, I can honestly say the feeling about the Olympics is the same as the first time. The Olympics are special. All the athletes, all the sports together, it's a very special feeling. It's never easier and it's never less fun than the first time. I expect a lot of tough races and a lot of fun."
The Sinkovic brothers aim to continue competing until the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, but their immediate goal is gold in Paris. "We are always expecting to be in the battle for the gold medal and I expect it again now. I hope we can achieve it," Martin said.
Valent Sinkovic acknowledged that while this will be their fourth Olympic Games, it will be the first where they are not the favorites based on the year's results. "It's a bit strange and a different feeling, but if we do our best we can fight for the gold," he said. "We narrowly missed winning against the Swiss team who are the current world champions, so it showed us we are on the right path. We are in a good position. We can't wait for the Olympics to start to see where we are."
The brothers credit their long-time coach Nikola Bralic, as well as the support from their parents and wives, for their success in the high-pressure sporting environment. However, their brotherly bond remains fundamental to their enduring achievements. "Without Bralic, we certainly would not be what we are, we would not be on the top for so long," Martin said. Valent added, "We certainly wouldn't last that long if we were not brothers. We're connected, it's easier to forgive a brother and you can understand him better than someone else."
As they prepare for the Paris Olympics, the Sinkovic brothers remain focused, determined, and united in their pursuit of another Olympic triumph.