Thomas Keller Medal Awarded to Sir Steven Redgrave

Redgrave: "An outstanding career in rowing".

Sir Steven Redgrave of Great Britain is to be the recipient of the 2001 Thomas Keller Medal for an "outstanding career in rowing" awarded by the International Rowing Federation (FISA).

The medal has been established as the highest honour in the sport of rowing and is presented to recognise an exceptional rowing career as well as exemplary sportsmanship. Named after the late President of FISA, the first medal was awarded to the great Norwegian oarsman Alf Hansen in 1990.

Steven Redgrave's international rowing career spanned two decades culminating in 2000 with a fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal – a feat unprecedented in an endurance sport.  He has also been World Champion a record nine times.

In addition, Redgrave greatly contributed to the popularity of the sport of rowing after the gold medal in Sydney in the men's four made him a household name in Great Britain and a legend in the rowing world.

"With his extraordinary performances, Steve Redgrave has been a role- model for a large number of rowers and athletes. He is truly an exceptional oarsman." said FISA president Denis Oswald of the rower.

The 18-carat gold Thomas Keller medal will be presented to Redgrave by Dominik Keller, son of the late Thomas Keller, on Sunday July 14, 2002 just before the start of the A-finals at the Zurich Rowing World Cup in Lucerne, Switzerland.