How Team GB athlete became first ever Olympian to win medal in both male and female events
A Team GB athlete has made history after becoming the first ever Olympian to win a medal in both the male and female events.
Amidst the gender row that's currently going on with boxers Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting, the focus can sometimes steer away from the Games itself.
While the Paris Olympics has been full of memorable moments, it's Great Britain’s coxswain Henry Fieldman who has arguably taken the medal for the most historic achievement.
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The 35-year-old from Hammersmith previously won bronze in Tokyo three years ago, as part of the men's eight.
And at this year's Games, he has also picked up the same medal - but with the women's crew.
Fieldman was able to achieve this feat because of a rule change back in 2017.
It meant that coxes of either gender could steer the eights.
“They only changed the rule back in 2017. Someone was going to do it and it happened to be me," he said.
“There’s a really talented cox at the back of the men’s eight, Harry Brightmore.
“The thinking was that he would be a better fit for the men, and I would be a good person to bring some experience into the women’s eight.”
Team GB finished 0.67 seconds down on second place Canada as Romania took the gold.
“In the last Games we won everything in the season running up to Tokyo and then came away with a bronze, which was a bit of a disappointment," Fieldman added.
“Not having friends and family there was tough, and I think everyone in the world was burnt out by the pandemic by then.
“I feel for this one we’ve done a pretty good job and I’m really proud of the team.
“It’s been the honour of my life to work with this squad.
“The programme for the women is different to the men and each stroke on average it is probably harder.
“I’ve been super impressed by them, a really supportive group.
“They’ve been through a lot of ups and downs and challenges.”
Anish Vij