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Tom Richmond
OLYMPIC oarsman Matthew Pinsent has revealed the spur to his sporting success - the fear of failure.
He was speaking at a business breakfast at Leeds to stress the importance of teamwork, and how it was the split second difference between success and failure in Athens where he won his fourth gold medal.
"Those seven weeks in the build up to the Olympics were just scary," said Matthew. "Especially, as a crew, the Olympics was our fourth race together as a crew.
"To get the best out of you, there has to be a decent element of 'I'm scared' in you as you wait on the start line.
"An hour before the Olympic final, it is the last place on earth that you want to be.
"But if you let your team down, it's not just a bronze medal or fifth place around your neck; it is also around the neck of your team-mates.