Legends Sprint

The British men’s four with Matthew Pinsent, Tim Foster, Steven Redgrave and James Cracknell during the Sydney 2000 rerun at Dorney Lake, Eton

The fabulous British four which swept Sir Steve Redgrave to Olympic immortality in Sydney was back on the water one final time.

The gold medal winning four of Sir Steve Redgrave, Sir Matthew Pinsent, Tim Foster and James Cracknell were up against the men they’d raced in 2000, but this time over a sprint course at Eton, Great Britain, during the programme of the BearingPoint Rowing World Cup. The purpose of this National Lottery Legends Sprint was to raise money for children affected by the Tsunami disaster.

Lord Sebastian Coe, himself a double Olympic champion, gave the start on dry land, and a huge crowd responded to their final opportunity to see the golden crew on home water.

?We went off like there’s no tomorrow,? said Tim Foster. ?It was good, better than we thought in all honesty.?

Sir Steve Redgrave observed: ?We always had a bit of speed but the better crews got through in the end.?

The Slovenians won in 1:23.26 ahead of the Italians and then the winners graciously admitted their victory was down to still being an active crew.

“I was delighted to win,” said Janis Klemencic. “I said to Sir Steve and the British crew, I’ve been competing against you for 15 years and I’ve finally beaten you.?

The British four finished third in 1:23.87.

Sir Matthew Pinsent added: “We’d never have done anything like this had there not been a cause.?

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