DeKALB – To this day, Elizabeth Becker is thankful that Grant and Ross James let her hang out with them in high school.

The full-time Northern Illinois University student described the James twins, who will compete for Olympic gold in the eight-man rowing final today in London, as being her unofficial older brothers during their days at DeKalb High School. Becker said she remembered constantly laughing when she rode with the twins to French club events.

“I remember driving to a French restaurant that we went to ... for a little event, and I remember having the best time with them in the car,” Becker said. “And coming home [thinking], ‘They’re so awesome.’ ”