The greatest Olympian in British history — five consecutive gold medals across five Olympic Games from Los Angeles 1984 to Sydney 2000. Diagnosed with diabetes in 1997 and famously told anyone to shoot him if he went near a boat again, then returned to win gold at Sydney. His tearful embrace with Matthew Pinsent after the coxless four victory is one of British sport's most iconic images. A CBE, then knighthood, and the enduring standard of rowing excellence.
Sir Steven Geoffrey Redgrave was born in Marlow, Buckinghamshire in 1962. He won Olympic gold medals at five consecutive Games (1984–2000) — unmatched in endurance sport. He won the coxed four at Los Angeles 1984, coxless pair at Seoul 1988 and Barcelona 1992 and Atlanta 1996, and coxless four at Sydney 2000. He also won nine World Championship golds. He was diagnosed with diabetes in 1997 and continued competing at elite level for three more years. He was awarded a CBE in 1997 and knighthood in 2001. He was voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2000. His five consecutive Olympic golds over 16 years represents one of sport's greatest sustained achievements.
Olympic Gold 5x (1984-2000)
After his Atlanta 1996 gold he declared: "If anyone sees me near a boat again they can shoot me." He then won a fifth gold at Sydney 2000.
Did You Know?Career Honours
- Olympic Gold 5x (1984-2000)
- World Champion 9x
- First to win 5 consecutive rowing golds