LUKE Patience and Chris Grube believe they showed their “true qualities” after ending their Rio 2016 in fifth overall.

After vowing to end the regatta on a high, the Brits were true to their word finishing third in their double points medal race, as Croatia’s two-time world champions, Sime Fantela and Igor Marenic wrapped up gold.

Portland-based Patience and Grube, partners for four years as young 470 sailors, teamed back up just eight months ago after Elliot Willis, who Patience had campaigned with for the Rio Olympic cycle, was diagnosed with cancer in late 2015.

Despite their lack of preparation time, the Brits showed their class posting eight results inside the top six from their 11 races. But a race six disqualification, combined with an opening race 21st and another 20th ultimately ended their medal hopes.

But Patience and Grube were delighted to be able to leave Rio in style.

Patience said: “We dug so deep and stayed interested in moving up and solving a problem.

“We approached it with intensity.

“I know it wasn’t for medals but we treated it like it was and showed our true qualities because we had a bad start and we fought and fought.

“I’m happy, it’s been such a pleasure to sail with Chris over the last eight months, I feel happy, I really do.”

Grube, who has a young son, Edward, continued: “I am really proud of what we have achieved and thanks to Luke for giving me the opportunity to sail with him again, I have loved every moment.

“That last race sums it up for me.

“I really enjoyed the racing, it’s been so much fun.

“My little boy has been cheering us on all week.”