Quadruple sculls win the first Paris 2024 Olympic rowing medals

On the fifth day of competition at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium in Paris, France, the first Olympic medals were to be awarded. It looked like the storms were going to be avoided, but things were certainly heating up on the lake. After a series of semifinals for boat classes racing for medals on later days of competition, it was time for the first two boat classes to race their A Finals.

Men’s quadruple sculls (M4x) – Final

The moment had arrived. The first medals of the 2024 Olympic Regatta were up for grabs. The reigning World and Olympic champions from the Netherlands took the early lead with Italy in second. Poland were also in the mix. What could Great Britain do, with one returning athlete from the Tokyo medal-winning crew? The Netherlands were looking absolutely dominant as the race came into the closing stages, but the silver and bronze medals were still up for grabs. Italy, Poland and Great Britain still all in contention. The pace lifted as the crews sprinted to the lines. Surely nobody could touch the Netherlands, they were going to defend their title as Olympic Champions. The race was still on for silver and Italy managed to hold off the charge from Poland. Great Britain missed out.

Results: NED, ITA, POL, GBR, GER, SUI

B-Final

In the Final B, racing for places 7-9, Romania got out fast and held the lead for the majority of the race but the massive experience of Tonu Endrekson, at his sixth Olympic Games, really started to show and, in the final quarter really lifted their pace and moved in to the front. Romania was paying the price of their fast start too and came across the line third behind Norway. 

Women’s quadruple sculls (W4x) – Final

The reigning World Champions from Great Britain came into this as likely favourites. They definitely weren’t the fastest off the start today, but then neither were they when they won the gold last year. The Dutch were off fast and being chased by Ukraine. But into the second quarter, GB started to move, drawing up alongside Ukraine. Approaching halfway, the Brits had moved into silver medal position, sitting half a length behind the Dutch. GB were really starting to pile the pressure onto the Netherlands now – this was very reminiscent of last year’s World Championships. Could it be redemption for the Netherlands? Up they went. Could the Dutch hold off the British charge? They both crossed the line. It was a photo finish. The crowds waited. The result was confirmed. The British cheers went up, they had done it. The first time a British women’s quad had won Olympic gold. It was silver for the Netherlands and Germany taking the bronze.

 Results: GBR, NED, GER, SUI, UKR, CHN

B-Final

Similar to the men’s quad, Romania also found themselves in the B final of this boat class and once again went out fast, but Australia were going with them. Into the second quarter of the race, the three boats were absolutely level. With 500m to go, Romania were in the lead, but it was only a canvas between first and second and a canvas between second and third. The sprint to the line was absolutely epic with all three boats up to 42 strokes per minute. Romania looked untouchable but it could be a photo finish for second place. Australia took it, ahead of the USA.

Even more Olympic medals will be awarded in Paris tomorrow with racing starting at 09:30 CET and A Finals from 11:18.