Great Britain’s Rowing Triumphs at Paris 2024: Men's Eight Gold Highlights

Great Britain’s rowing team achieved a landmark victory at the Paris 2024 Olympics, securing gold in the men’s eight and setting a new record for the country’s rowing medal haul at an overseas Games.

In a breathtaking race, the men’s eight crew, consisting of Sholto Carnegie, Rory Gibbs, Morgan Bolding, Jacob Dawson, Charlie Elwes, Tom Digby, James Rudkin, and Tom Ford, with cox Harry Brightmore, showcased their extraordinary skill and determination. The team traded the lead with the Netherlands before surging ahead in the third quarter of the 2,000m race, ultimately clinching the gold medal by 1.08 seconds with a time of five minutes and 22.8 seconds.

Brightmore and Carnegie, in the bow seat, celebrated their victory with sheer joy as they crossed the finish line, marking Great Britain’s eighth medal in France. The team’s triumph not only highlights their elite status but also underscores their remarkable consistency, having now won medals in the men’s eights at five consecutive Olympic Games, including their gold in Rio 2016.

The win comes after a challenging period for British rowing, which saw them struggle in Tokyo. The team’s dedication and resilience were evident as they battled through the competition, with Bolding and Gibbs needing medical attention post-race due to the immense physical effort required.

“This is a dream come true,” said Dawson after receiving his medal. “It’s pretty epic to achieve this level of success.”

This gold medal performance caps an extraordinary series of achievements for Great Britain in rowing, reflecting a significant turnaround from the Tokyo Games and showcasing the team’s new direction and leadership.