MAIDENHEAD rower Rob Williams has won Olympic silver as part of team GB's men's lightweight four at Dorney Lake, Eton.

It was almost a dream come true for the 26-year-old, who learnt to row on Dorney Lake, but they were narrowly beaten to the gold by a quarter of a length by South Africa - their first ever rowing gold.

Williams said: "It's a tough event. A silver's not fantastic but it's a medal at the Olympics.

"We wanted to win but we have to be happy to get a medal. It's a shame we didn't win. We did everything we could, these things happen." ** SEE Friday's Observer for all the latest 2012 London Olympic Games action ** ** FOLLOW the Observer on Twitter @Observer_sports **