Team USA won the men’s four rowing event at the Paris Olympics, breaking a 64-year drought. Michael Grady, Nick Mead, Justin Best, and Liam Corrigan won the final in 5:49.03, narrowly defeating New Zealand, who finished in 5:49.88. Great Britain won bronze in 5:52.42.
Michael Grady, impressed by the victory, commented on the emotional significance of the situation, saying, “A few tears almost spilt out… It’s an emotional experience to be able to represent the United States on the biggest stage.”
The American team, led by Mead in the bow and Corrigan in the stroke, maintained their lead throughout the 2,000-meter race, completing a huge comeback after failing to win any medals at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics. This triumph represents the United States’ first gold medal in the men’s fours since the 1960 Rome Games.
Great Britain, the 2023 Rowing World Championships winners, failed early, but New Zealand posed a tough challenge. However, the Americans’ planned approach, aided by Corrigan’s decisive “red” judgement, sealed their triumph.
Team USA also raced in the men’s double sculls and women’s four, but neither finished on the podium. The rowing competitions at the Paris Games will continue until Saturday, with numerous more medal prospects for the United States team.
