Rowers Honoured

Great Britain’s six 2008 Olympic rowing gold medallists have been honoured in the New Year’s Honours List.

Steve Williams, already a gold medallist in the men’s four in 2004 and made an MBE four years ago, now receives an OBE after winning gold again in Beijing in the same boat category.

Andrew Triggs-Hodge, Pete Reed and Tom James, who completed the men’s four line-up with Williams, all receive MBEs.

Zac Purchase and Mark Hunter, who were unbeaten throughout 2008 at world cup level and who went on to take gold in the lightweight men’s double scull in Beijing, have also been awarded MBEs. The popular duo won Britain’s first lightweight Olympic medal of all-time in Beijing.

The honours put a crown on a fabulous year for GB Rowing in which the team took six Olympic medals (two golds, two silvers and two bronzes) – its best performance in 100 years.