Olympics win 'sends message to mums with dreams'

Team GB's Mathilda Hodgkins-Byrne (left) and Rebecca Wilde (right) won bronze in the Women's Rowing Double Sculls

Olympic rower Mathilda Hodgkins Byrne has said she hopes her bronze medal win in the women's double sculls encourages women to not see having a child as an "end to your career".

The Team GB rower, from Hereford, previously said she felt "pushed to the side" when she tried to return to the sport.

Her win in Paris was at her first Olympic games since taking time off to have her son, Freddie.

Mathilda said half of those on the podium were mothers, and it sent a message to their children that "mum just goes to work, it's just our job is more physical and slightly more unusual."

Her partner John Snoddon said he was filled with pride and relief the moment she crossed the finish line.

"All those naysayers out there who said being a mum and a full-time athlete is pretty much impossible, she's proved all of them wrong.

"I'm so happy that (after) all that time and effort she gets to bring something home to prove it," he added.

Their 2-year-old son Freddie was in the stands cheering on his mum as she rowed with team mate Becky Wilde, but Mr Snoddon said it took a while to get the toddler excited to see her race.

"At the beginning of the race Freddie decided he was going to sit under his union jack flag on the floor and not watch any of the racing, so we had to gee him up a bit to get him ready for the race."

Mathilda said it was a special moment for them both to experience an Olympic medal win.

"He doesn't understand the significance [of the Olympics] but he just understands everyone around him is quite emotional and he's part of that journey."