Alan Campbell came home fifth in the men's single scull final in Shunyi today.
Campbell, whose Olympic preparations were hampered by a knee infection, got off to a bright start, leading at 500m.
But he had been overhauled by defending Olympic champion Olaf Tufte at the halfway mark, and the Norwegian went on to win his second successive single scull gold.
Campbell, who recorded a time of 7:04.47, was the first British oarsman to reach the Olympic single scull final since 1980.
He said: "I was fifth best today, but getting in the final was a triumph. I feel empty now, but I can hold my head up high as I know I did my best.
"I was really proud to get through the semi final, and with 750m to go today, I just couldn't step up but I gave everything I had.
"I missed five weeks training in the build-up to this which wasn't ideal, but I know I can, and I will train harder.
"I worked hard this year but I have time on my side and this won't be the last you see of me. I feel capable of stepping up and in four years I'll be 29, whilst Olaf Tufte who is now double Olympic champion is 32 or 33.
"That was an epic race to be in. I'm very proud of all the support I've had from Northern Ireland and very proud to be part of this Team GB rowing team."
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