The winds of change...

Date: 28 May 2005

The temptation to get back on the water was obviously too strong - especially as it was all in the name of a good cause. Today, Sir Steve Redgrave retrieved his oars from the boathouse to team up with his fellow Olympic gold medalists from the famous win in Sydney 2000.

Sir Matthew Pinsent, James Cracknell and Tim Foster reunited with Sir Steve, and the original boat, to compete in the race billed as 'The Legends Sprint' at Dorney Lake, Eton. Teams from Italy, Australia, Slovenia and New Zealand gathered together to form a near-reconstruction of the coxless-fours final that saw Sir Steve row his way to a fifth Olympic Gold medal. Only the USA were conspicuous in their absence as two of the team had now joined a whole different race in the form of Wall Street.

Alas, history was not to be repeated as the teams battled with the elements in a closely fought contest. The British foursome started well as they powered into the lead in the early stages, but as the 500m sprint progressed, the Italians, who were beaten by just 0.38 seconds in Sydney, slipped ahead. With the finishing line just a few metres away, the Slovenians upped the pace to take first place, putting the Brits into an unfamiliar third position. Bronze? It was unheard of, but it didn't stop the crowds cheering as they showed their appreciation in vociferous style.

After the race, any disappointment was quickly dismissed as it became a case of 'everyone's a winner' when news arrived of the mounting total being raised for charity.

Watched by over 5,000 wind-blown spectators, 'The Legends Sprint' was put together by Sir Steve to raise funds for the Tsuanmi victims of Christmas 2004. After receiving an email outlining the idea, four of five teams from the original line-up signed up for the Charity event and another chance to compete with the 'awesome foursome'. Fortunately, the original winners were not racing to retain their medals from Sydney - they remain stored in a very special place in sporting history.

Jacqueline Alexander

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