Olympic Rowing has one of the oldest histories of any Olympic sport. It therefore goes without saying that there have been many great moments over the years in Olympic Rowing history. On this page you will find some of the more memorable happenings that fans of this sport hold dear to their hearts.
1. The Introduction of Rowing to the 1900 Olympics
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It is true that Rowing was on the original program for the first Olympics in Athen in 1896. Inclement weather prevented it from being contested that year as one of the first 10 sports in the Olympics. Of course, rowing was on the roster of sports for the 1900 Paris Olympics. Four rowing events were contested that year. A total of 108 rowers from 8 countries competed in the Single Sculls, Coxed Pairs, Coxed Fours, and the Eights.
2. 1976 Montreal Olympics: Women Rowing Becomes an Olympic Event
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In 1976, women's rowing was introduced to the Montreal Olympics' program. The ladies competed in 6 events to include Single Sculls, Double Sculls, Quadruple Sculls, Coxless Pair, Coxed Four, and Eights.
3. 2000 Sydney Olympics: Sir Stephen Geoffrey Redgrave Wins 6th Olympic Medal
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Sir Stephen Geoffrey Redgrave, a British Rower, won gold medals in 5 straight Olympic Games! From 1984 to 2000, Redgrave won a total of 6 Olympic medals making him the most decorated Olympic Rowing male. The record was formerly held by Jack Beresford, also of Great Britian, who had also won gold medals in 5 straight Olympic Games. As a side note, World War II prevented Jack from competing and increasing his medal tally.
4. 2004 Athens Olympics: Elisabeta Lipa Celebrates 5th Gold Medal
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Elisabeta Lipa of Romania is one of the most prolific medal winners in Olympic Rowing history. In the 2004 Athens Olympics, Lipa went on to win her fifth gold medal as a part of the women's eights team. What makes this an astounding feat is that Lipa won her first medal in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. That is a 20 year difference between her first and last Olympic gold medals! In her illustrious rowing career, Elisabeta Lipa competed in 6 Olympics and won medals in each of them. In total, Lipa amassed 20 medals in all, 8 Olympic Medals and 12 World Championship medals. She is truly one of the greatest rowers of all time.
