Upon clinching my first Olympic gold in 1984, one of the first journalists to approach me was Richard Burnell, a gold medalist in double sculls from 1948. He told me: ‘You’re world champion for a year, you’re Olympic champion for life.’ Those words encapsulate the essence of the achievement beautifully. This is the height of success.
Our rowers, both men and women, vying for gold in Paris today and in the coming days are fully aware of this significance. They recognize that the prestige associated with the Olympics is unmatched.
While winning a world title is certainly prestigious, it merely serves as a stepping stone to Olympic glory. Leading up to my first Games, I experienced finishes of eighth, sixth, and an elimination in three consecutive World Championships. Yet, I went on to claim the Olympic title.
Athletes tend to retire after the Olympics rather than after World Championships. This is the ultimate event that drives them.
During this time, we hear numerous stories of sacrifices. Rowers often discuss the various sacrifices they have made to reach this level, and we, as commentators and journalists, are eager to hear all about those experiences.
British rowing legend Sir Steve Redgrave has looked ahead to Team GB medal chances at the Paris Games
Redgrave is the most successful male rower in Olympic history, winning gold medals at five consecutive Games from 1984 to 2000
However, upon reflection, was it truly a sacrifice? Not exactly. Every rower I’ve encountered, regardless of whether they earned gold or didn’t even reach the finals, reflects on their experience at this elite level with warmth and gratitude. It truly is remarkable to be among that exclusive one percent who get to represent their nation at the Olympics.
I witnessed Nathan Hales secure gold in shooting yesterday. I was incredibly nervous, practically trembling. When he took his final shot, he turned to the audience, broke his gun, and held it aloft. That’s the essence of it all—to be part of something extraordinary.
Our rowers now have the opportunity to join him.
Men’s pairs semi-final – Oliver Wynne-Griffith and Tom George
They’ve been rowing together in a pair for a few years now and have faced some narrow finishes where they were just shy of victory.
The Croatian Sinkovic brothers won gold in the double scull in Rio and again in Tokyo, but at 34 and 36 years of age, they are too old to pose a serious threat. Oliver and Tom have dominated this season, and I genuinely believe no one can…
SIR STEVE’S PREDICTION: Gold. They will advance comfortably into the final on Wednesday.
Redgrave believes that Oliver Wynne-Griffith (left) and Tom George (right) will prove to be too strong for the opposition after their dominant year
Women’s pairs semi-final – Rebecca Edwards and Chloe Brew
Our women’s teams are remarkable across the board. Since Andrew Randell was appointed as Women’s Olympic Head Coach in February 2022, we have seen a significant improvement. I anticipate our women will outshine the men by the time all the final rowing medals are awarded.
In this context and within this high standard, I must say that our women’s pairs is likely our weakest boat. I believe our other boats have strong chances of medaling, but I have my doubts about Rebecca and Chloe making it to the final.
SIR STEVE’S PREDICTION: Fail to qualify.
Rebecca Edwards (right) and Chloe Brew (left) have a tough job on their hands to qualify for the women’s pairs final
Lightweight women’s semi-final – Emily Craig and Imogen Grant
If you thought Adam Peaty came close to winning gold the other night, just imagine the heartache Emily and Imogen experienced in Tokyo. They missed out on gold by half a second and a podium finish by a mere 0.01 seconds.
And this was over 2,000 metres, not just 100! Their disappointment was palpable. It felt like an opportunity lost. They contemplated not continuing, but through open communication, they regrouped and haven’t been defeated in two years.
Their dominance stems from the support surrounding them, made possible by those contributing to The National Lottery, but their individual drive is also key—
Emily and Imogen are two distinct personalities, both motivated in unique ways. Imogen possesses a fierce competitive spirit. As a doctor, she is intensely focused. Among all the rowing events, they boast the second-best chance at securing a gold medal in Paris, after Romania’s women’s eight.
SIR STEVE’S PREDICTION: Gold. They’ll glide through the semi-finals on Wednesday.
Redgrave has backed Emily Craig (left) and Imogen Grant (right) to use their Tokyo disappointment as motivation for success in Paris
Men’s quadruple sculls final – Thomas Barras, Callum Dixon, Matthew Haywood and Graeme Thomas
With three medals available and four competitive teams in the mix, we stand as one of the contenders. The other teams include the Netherlands, Italy, and Poland.
We secured silver three years ago, with Thomas as the sole remaining member from that boat in Tokyo, yet they have maintained a strong and consistent performance despite crew changes.
I believe the Dutch will take gold. They retain most of the crew that achieved a world best time and Olympic record in Tokyo. They are exceptional and move their boat beautifully. For the neutral viewers, they will undoubtedly be the favorites as they possess great strength.
We have never claimed this event at the Olympics, and I don’t foresee that changing this time around. However, if the Dutch provide an opening, we will be quick to seize it.
SIR STEVE’S PREDICTION: Bronze.
Thomas Barras, Callum Dixon, Matthew Haywood and Graeme Thomas (L-R) will compete in an incredibly competitive men’s quadruple sculls final where up to four teams can win gold
Women’s quadruple sculls final – Lauren Henry, Hannah Scott, Lola Anderson, Georgina Brayshaw
I firmly believe they will win. As reigning world champions, the unity and confidence within this team will significantly impact their performance at this level. While the team was strong prior to this, they have progressed even further since Randell’s appointment.
Previously, this event was dominated by the Chinese team leading up to the last Olympics, and while the same crew remains, they are no longer at the peak of their power. I observed them training in China; they were once a closely-knit unit, technically superb and rowing with precision. That’s not the case anymore.
Previously, their only approach was to race at maximum speed from the start since they were exceptionally quick. However, they have fallen behind and are no longer in that league.
The Dutch have become strong contenders and have been consistently close to winning. Ukraine could also pose a threat; if anyone is likely to spring a surprise, I believe it could be them rather than the Chinese.
SIR STEVE’S PREDICTION: Gold.
Redgrave has backed Lauren Henry, Hannah Scott, Lola Anderson, Georgina Brayshaw (L-R) to add the Olympic title to their world championship success
Venue: Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium
I have raced at this venue before, and it was a challenging experience back then, but that was over 30 years ago in May! It’s a large lake that can be influenced by wind, yet the conditions in Paris have been favorable so far.
If you were to choose a venue you’d want to continue rowing at forever, this would likely be at the bottom of that list! However, once it’s transformed for the Olympics, it becomes a truly remarkable setting.
You can catch Steve’s insights daily at Mail Online through our exclusive video series during the Olympic Games.
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