The United States clinched its latest gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics in a sport where American athletes haven’t secured victory since the 1960 Rome Games.
USA Rowing’s men’s coxless four team, comprised of Liam Corrigan, Michael Grady, Nick Mead, and Justin Best, narrowly beat New Zealand by 0.85 seconds in the men’s four final.
The U.S. clocked in at 5:49.03, with New Zealand closely following at 5:49.88 to claim the silver medal. Great Britain secured the bronze with a time of 5:52.42.
Nick Mead, Justin Best, Michael Grady, and Liam Corrigan celebrate their gold medal in the men’s four during the Summer Games at Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium. (Sarah Phipps-USA Today Sports)
The last time American men clinched gold in this event was in 1960, with Dan Ayrault, Ted Nash, John Sayre, and Rusty Wailes leading the charge in Rome.
Additionally, this victory marks the first rowing medal for the U.S. since the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games.
Previous Performance and Progress
The men’s coxless four team had previously achieved a silver-medal level performance in the 2023 World Championship, setting high expectations for their Paris showing.
Despite finishing fifth in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, their exceptional display in Paris ended the eight-year drought without a rowing medal for the U.S.
Nick Mead, Justin Best, Michael Grady, and Liam Corrigan compete in the men’s four final A during the Olympic Games at Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium. (Sarah Phipps-USA Today Sports)
Domination at the Olympics
The victory by the men’s coxless four team marks the sixth gold for the United States at the Paris Olympics. Other golds so far include those in women’s gymnastics, the women’s 1500-meter freestyle, women’s foil individual final, men’s 4×100-meter freestyle relay, and Torri Huske’s victory in the 100-meter butterfly.
Nick Mead, Justin Best, Michael Grady, and Liam Corrigan celebrate with gold medals at the Paris Olympics. (Sebastian Kahnert/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Looking Ahead
While there are more opportunities for the United States to secure gold in Paris, the achievement of these rowers will be remembered as they secure a notable victory at the Games.
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Additional Insight:
– The victory by the men’s coxless four team is not only historic but also signifies a resurgence in U.S. rowing performance on the Olympic stage after several years.
– The progression from a silver-medal performance in the World Championship to securing gold at the Olympics demonstrates the team’s dedication and improvement in their sport.
– The diversity of gold medals won by the United States in various disciplines showcases the country’s strength and depth across multiple sports at the Paris Olympics.
