Cannot rock this old man’s boat

Sydney: Steve Redgrave became the greatest oarsman in Olympic history on Saturday when he claimed his fifth gold medal in five Olympics. Now the Briton, who had told reporters they had permission to shoot him if they ever saw him near a boat following his win Atlanta four years ago, has refused to rule out the possibility of competing in a sixth Summer Games and carving his name into the history books as perhaps the greatest Olympian ever – in any sport. “I can’t see myself carrying on rowing any longer but you never know, we’ll see in four years’ time,†said the 38-year-old Redgrave, a father of three.

With most of the 22,000 spectators lining the Penrith Lake course having come to witness history and urging them on, the British coxless fours of Redgrave, Matthew Pinsent, Tim Foster and James Cracknell powered into the lead right from the opening stroke. Pain and determination etched on his face, Redgrave appeared to agonize every inch over of the 2,000 metre course, battling to hold off the challenge of first Australia, champions the last two Olympics, and then Italy.

When the British boat crossed the line nearly six minutes later, just 0.38 seconds in front of Italy, Redgrave collapsed in exhaustion unable to raise his arms in triumph or respond to his crewmates’ congratulations. Redgrave’s remarkable achievement was recognised by both the International Olympic Committee and his team mates in moving fashion. As Princess Anne was about to bestow the gold medals on the winners, Cracknell, first in line, refused his until Redgrave was presented with his first.

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A moment later, IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch, still mourning the death of his wife last week, awarded the nine-time world champion a special gold Olympic pin.

“There’s only one thing that has interested us in the last four years and that was to win in Sydney,†said Redgrave. “That’s the reason the four was put together.â€