United States wins men's four among Olympic rowing golds - ESPN

The United States won the men's four final as New Zealand, Romania and Netherlands also claimed gold medals in the double sculls and fours Olympic competitions at the Vaires-sur-Marnes Nautical Stadium on Thursday.

The Americans claimed the final medal of the rowing day by dominating almost from the start, brushing off a late challenge from New Zealand to finish in 5:49:03 for gold.

Kicking off a period of just over an hour in which a barrage of medals were awarded, the New Zealand crew of Brooke Francis and Lucy Spoors (6:50:45) held their nerve in a tight finish to edge Romania by 0.24 seconds. The pair have both become mothers since the last Olympics, and they paid tribute to their children, who were watching from the stands, following their victory.

«They're definitely our superpower in the background. Since Tokyo we've both believed we could win this race,» Spoors said. «It's been a slow build, but to be here and finally do it in front of them, I can't believe it.»

Romania won a back-and-forth battle with the Netherlands in the men's double sculls final, with Ireland taking the bronze.

After a fourth place and a silver medal in the opening two races, the Dutch finally made the top step of the podium in the women's four final after a thrilling showdown with the British crew that saw them finish 0.18 seconds in front to grab gold.

«I just went, 'keep rowing, keep rowing,' then I heard Hermijnte [Drenth] behind me: 'Guys, we won,'» Tinka Offereins of the Dutch team said. «I looked too late at the screen, and we were first. It was not normal. I can't believe it.»

Reuters contributed to this report.