04 August 2024 , 17:47
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Henry Fieldman became the first person in the history of the Olympics to win a medal in both men’s and women’s events, thanks to his bronze in the women’s eight.
This came after he claimed bronze in Tokyo in the men’s eight three years ago and he now holds a unique place in Olympic history.
This came about as Fieldman is a coxswain and, thanks to a rule change in 2017, the coxswain can compete in the boat with either gender.
The cox steers the boat from the stern and calls the strokes, facing the rowers as they help implement strategy.
The Brit said of his achievement: ‘They only changed the rule in 2017 so someone was going to do it and it just happened to be me.’
He was clearly thrilled with the success, despite the humble response, saying: ‘It’s been a real joy, the honour of my life.’
The 36-year-old added after the women’s bronze: ‘I hope that now that we’ve had two Olympic medals in the women’s eight that this could be the start of more women’s eights medals to come – stepping on to greater things.’
Henry Fieldman celebrating with the women’s eight team (Picture: Getty Images)
Romania claimed gold in the women’s eight, with Canada taking silver ahead of Great Britain.
It was an even better day for the men’s eight on Saturday as the team won gold in Paris, with Netherlands taking silver and USA bronze.
Cox Harry Brightmore said: ‘It was one hell of a ride back at the end of the boat. We knew the start would be close – the American guys giving it a quite a lot of shouting on the start line, which we were ready for.
‘That was a bit of a sprint to the death, we just took it by the scruff of the neck and you can’t really ask for much more.’