STEVEN REDGRAVE IS WIDELY CONSIDERED TO BE THE GREATEST ROWER OF ALL TIME, WINNING GOLD MEDALS AT FIVE SUCCESSIVE EDITIONS OF THE OLYMPIC GAMES
FIRST GOLD MEDAL
The extraordinary tally of Redgrave’s Olympic medals started in Los Angeles in 1984. With Martin Cross, Richard Budgett, Andy Holmes and Adrian Ellison, he won the coxed fours event. He continued in partnership with Holmes, winning gold four years later in Seoul in the coxless pairs.
A NEW PARTNER
After the Games in Seoul, Redgrave teamed up with Matthew Pinsent. They were to become formidable partners, winning gold at the Olympic Games in Barcelona in 1992. The pair continued to dominate this event and went on to win the following three world championships. At the Olympic Games Atlanta 1996, they had a significant lead of 3.04 seconds halfway through the final race, which they won comfortably. This was their 100th race together.
PERMISSION TO SHOOT
After his victory in Atlanta, Redgrave announced on television: “Anybody who sees me in a boat has my permission to shoot me.” This did not last long, however. Teaming up this time not only with Pinsent, but also with Cracknell and Foster, he earned a fifth gold medal after a suspense-filled race, in the coxless fours at the Olympic Games Sydney 2000.
THE GREATEST ROWER OF ALL TIME
Steven Redgrave is one of the five Olympians to have won at least one gold medal at five successive editions of the Olympic Games, and is widely considered to be the greatest rower in history.
