The duo have had many obstacles to overcome in search of their dream, including bodies floating in the river and gun shots ringing out overhead, but they have managed to train throughout the last eight years and made it to Beijing in 2008.

They are now hoping that their dream of competing at London 2012 will be fulfilled.

Before Sir Matthew could set foot in Iraq he had to undergo safety briefings and a six day Hostile Environments and First Aid Training course.

But he says all the preparation and the risk was worth it for the chance to go rowing on the Tigris with the Iraqi rowing team.

"Out there on the river," he said, "it all makes sense."

World Olympic Dreams, launched last July, is following 26 individual stories featuring 46 athletes from around the world as they strive to turn their hopes for Olympic success at London 2012 into a reality.

The films that form the project have been collated through the BBC's worldwide reporting network, with correspondents in each of the countries featured providing the relevant footage.

The programme is based on the BBC's London 2012 website, where two new films will be uploaded each month.

This latest programme is due to be screened next Monday (February 14) on BBC2 at 1pm, and will also available on BBC iPlayer.

You can view a clip by clicking here. 


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