One member of that team was Hamza Hussein, with whom Rashid competed at the Beijing Olympics in the double sculls.

BBC: Asian Games: Rower earns first medal for Iraq

He and his then rowing partner Hamza Hussein were given a wildcard entry to the Beijing Olympics and finished last.

BBC: Iraqi rower Haider Rashid's World Championships bid

Hamza Hussein was part of the Iraqi men's four team that came fifth whilst Haidar Rashid won one of just three Iraqi medals in the Games, taking bronze in the men's single sculls event.

BBC: World Olympic Dreams athletes - 2010 roundup