Shorten had known the disappointment of finishing fourth in an Olympic final in Tokyo, but put that behind her by going on to win the women’s four world title in 2022.

When two-time Olympic champion Helen Glover returned to the GB squad the following year, it caused a shake-up in selection, and despite some teething problems, the year still ended with a world bronze medal.

This season, with Shorten and Glover joined in a more settled combination by Esme Booth and Samantha Redgrave, the quartet had gone unbeaten and won the European Championships.

The expectations were sky high for an Olympic title.

“I know when obviously you train so hard together and you focus on just one thing, sometimes it can be tough when it doesn’t quite go your way.

“I think because obviously we’ve had a very good year, we’ve come together very well, and I think it’s just a bit gutting to not do it on this day.”

However, Shorten has contributed to the greatest ever Olympic Games for athletes from Northern Ireland.

The medal count is now three golds, a silver and a bronze in the space of less than 48 hours.

“We’ve had a great stand from Northern Ireland, it’s been a lot of gold, so that’s honestly amazing.

“The crowds have been amazing, my friends and family, everyone that’s watching. The support’s honestly been unbelievable.”