Cracknell backs four for gold

Published on Wednesday 6 August 2008 23:07

DOUBLE Olympic champion James Cracknell is in no doubt Britain's coxless four can write their own legacy at the 2008 Games in Beijing.

Cracknell, now 36, struck gold in Sydney and Athens to continue the traditions of Steven Redgrave and Matthew Pinsent, whose exploits earned them both knighthoods.

Steve Williams – who was also part of the gold-medal boat four years ago – will head up the latest generation looking to make their own mark, with Peter Reed and Andy Triggs-Hodge and Welshman Tom James completing the crew.

Despite finishing outside the medals at the 2007 World Championships in Munich, confidence is high the current team can continue Britain's golden reign when they take to the water at Shunyi.

"They are more than capable of winning the gold," said Cracknell.

"The one thing you can be sure of is that they will be in the best shape of the last four years on that day.

"The Australians had to qualify for the Olympics, so you are never sure who will be peaking when until you get to the Games."

Cracknell, who will be in Beijing as part of his role as a media pundit, said: "There is always the history and legacy of what Steve, Matthew and I have done, but the guys now will want to win their own gold medal for them – and that is all that matters.

"I have absolute faith in our guys being able to perform well. The difference is that it is probably a little bit closer now.

"When we competed at Sydney, we knew for certain that if we had an above average race we would get gold, then in Athens we had to make sure we had our best race – and the guys now are probably more in that category, having to get your very best to win.

"But that is what the Olympics is all about – producing on the day when you need to."

Some 43 rowers, in 12 boats, have made the journey to China – the largest Team GB contingent since Barcelona 1992.