Monday, August 18, 2008 - 10:31 AM

It wasn't the way he wanted to go out, but six-time Australian Olympian James Tomkins has laid down his oars after a disappointing loss in Beijing.

Tomkins, who is 43, announced his retirement from competitive rowing after the Australian men's eight came last in the Olympic final.

The loss is a frustrating career end for the three-time gold medallist, seven-time world champion and last competing member of the Barcelona 'Oarsome Foursome'.

"We had a fantastic season and I would not have swapped that for anything, but a disappointing, disappointing run," he said.

"It's hard to leave it. I'd love to have another crack. But I don't think it's feasible.

"It is easy to say but there are more important things in life."

An emotional Tomkins wiped away tears as he recounted the details of the race, which was won by Canada almost 10 seconds ahead of Australia.

"We had a really good start and I had a look across. I thought, you beauty here we go, we can have a real crack at this," he said.

"Then I don't know what happened, it was just disappointing in the middle of the race.

"We weren't rowing," Tomkins added.

"We could not row because we were getting washed off by the Poms alongside us, so it was basically paddling to the line.

"I actually had a quick look to the screen to see the finish."

Women last


The Australian women's eight also finished last in their final.

Sarah Tait is only team member remaining from the Athens eight that gained notority when Sally Robbins stopped rowing.

She says the 2008 eight was not looking for redemption.

"Obviously we wanted to do better, but you always want to go into a regatta wanting to get a medal. I don't think that came into it," she said.

Sunday was a disappointing day all-round for the Australians at the rowing, in stark contrast to the two gold medals and one silver won on Saturday.

Head rowing coach Noel Donaldson says there will be a post mortem.

"The rowing events are over," he said.

"Australia's next big medal opportunity is likely to be the sailing.

"But some teams are so far head on points they only have to get in the water on the final to win gold."