Rudkin fires men's eight to European gold

James Rudkin helped fire Britain’s men’s eight rowers to a memorable multi-sport European Championship medal in Munich. The Litchborough star, 28, was part of the crew that toppled the Netherlands on Saturday morning to cap a golden day for the British team in Germany.

Ad The triumph marked one of four gold medals as Rudkin joined forces with Rory Gibbs, Morgan Bolding, David Bewicke-Copley, Sholto Carnegie, Charles Elwes, Tom Digby and Tom Ford to grab glory at the 1972 Olympic Regatta Centre. RowingGeorge and Wynne-Griffith slam poor execution to take silver3 MINUTES AGO The crew beat hosts Germany in their first race on Thursday before downing the Dutch, Italians, Germans and Romanians to defend their 2021 title.

Rudkin said: «I’m feeling really good – that was awesome. »For myself, Fordy and Charlie to defend that title from last year, and for all these new guys to come in and win the eight again, is awesome." Digby, 24, added: «I'm so proud of the whole team event and what we did today.

»I think it's absolutely great for the team – with Covid, it’s been a long time coming to build into a big season with the World Championships on the horizon. «For those coming back from the Olympics, they had a point to prove – so all of that energy means it's really special for everyone, from the support staff, coaches, parents, families and the team itself.» For the second edition in 2022, the innovative multi-sports European Championship brings together the existing championships of the continent's leading sports into one event that elevates the champions of Europe.

And Rudkin helped Britain grab one of the 177 gold medals on offer after a brilliant Saturday display. Rowing kicked off the 11-day German bonanza on