The Slovenian rowing stars started strong and had a boat length's advantage at the one kilometre mark, in line with their strategy to secure an early lead.

But their edge eroded in the second half of the race as first the Italian and then the New Zealand boat powered ahead, eventually winning silver and gold, respectively.

The bronze takes the medal tally of the most successful Slovenian rowing duo in history to three: they won gold in Sydney in 2000 and silver in Athens in 2004.

Čop also has a bronze from Barcelona in 1992, in a coxless pair with Denis Žvegelj.

His tally makes him the third most successful Slovenian Olympian, behind only the gymnastics legends Leon Štrukelj (six medals, three golds) and Miro Cerar (three medals, two golds).