RICHARD Egington and the TeamGB men's eight were pushed into bronze medal position in a thrilling Olympic final in front of 30,000 people at Eton Dorney.

They were ahead at the 1,500m mark as they put undefeated world champions Germany under levels of pressure they have not experienced before.

But the Germans stepped up another gear and pulled away in the final 300m, while reigning Olympic champions Canada clawed in the silver over the last 200m as TeamGB suffered for their strong start to the most demanding of rowing races.

For 33-year-old Egington, the powerhouse in the middle of the boat, it is a bronze to add to the silver with the men's eight in Beijing four years ago.