Steve Redgrave

Sir Steve Redgrave is a retired British rower, born on 23rd March 1962, in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, England. He is acclaimed as one of the most successful male rowers in Olympic history and the only man to have won gold medals at five Olympic Games in an endurance sport. Redgrave started his professional career with Marlow Rowing Club and soon became a dominant force in world rowing.

Redgrave is known for his incredible physical strength, endurance, and perfect rowing technique. He has received numerous awards, including the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award, and holds multiple records, such as the most gold medals in rowing in the Olympic Games history.

Off the field, Redgrave is also recognized for his philanthropy, making significant charitable contributions, particularly to children's and health-related causes, and inspiring millions worldwide.

Marlow Rowing Club

• Start and Early Career: Redgrave's journey to becoming one of the best rowers of all time began at Marlow Rowing Club. He made his international debut for Great Britain in 1979.

Olympic Career

• Initial Success: Redgrave's first Olympic success came in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics when he won a gold medal in the coxed four event. From this point, he never looked back and dominated the sport for the next two decades, winning gold medals in consecutive Olympics from 1984 to 2000.

Retirement

• Final Achievement: After winning his fifth consecutive Olympic gold at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Redgrave retired from professional rowing. His last words after the Sydney Olympics, 'If anyone sees me go near a boat, you've got my permission to shoot me' are still remembered by his fans around the world.

Great Britain Team

• Debut: Made his international debut for Great Britain in 1979.

Achievements:

• Olympic Games: Gold medallist in 1984, 1988, 1992, 1996, and 2000.
• World Rowing Championships: Winner of 9 gold medals.
• Redgrave is one of the most successful male rowers in Olympic history and has the most gold medals in rowing.

• Position: Redgrave primarily competed in the coxless pair and coxless four events.
• Skills: Known for his remarkable physical strength, endurance, and perfect rowing technique. Redgrave is celebrated for his ability to dominate the sport for more than two decades.

• Family: Redgrave is married to Ann Callaway, a former international rower. They have three children.
• Philanthropy: Redgrave is involved in various charitable activities and has donated significant sums to children's hospitals, diabetes research, and sports charities.

• Sir Steve Redgrave is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for his work ethic, determination, and longevity in professional rowing. His impact on the sport and his status as a sporting icon extend beyond the water, inspiring millions of fans around the world.

Most Gold Medals in Rowing in Olympic Games:

• Five gold medals

Most Gold Medals in World Rowing Championships:

• Nine gold medals

Most Successful British Olympian:

• One of the most successful British Olympians and the only man to have won gold medals at five Olympic Games in an endurance sport.

Books

• Redgrave, S. (2001) A Golden Age: The Autobiography. London: BBC Books.
• Garry, H. (2000) Golden Lads: A Study of Anthony Bacon, Francis and Their Friends. Virginia: University of Virginia Press.

Websites

• Olympic.org: Information about Steve Redgrave's Olympic career and achievements. Available at: https://www.olympic.org
• BBC Sport: Details about Redgrave's career and achievements. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport
• World Rowing: Official site with updates on Redgrave's performance and records. Available at: https://www.worldrowing.com

Articles

• BBC Sport: Steve Redgrave: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rowing/48839800
• The Guardian: Steve Redgrave's career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/steve-redgrave

Interviews and Documentaries

• Gold Fever (2000): Directed by Mark Craig, this documentary provides a detailed look at Redgrave's life and career, featuring interviews with his family, friends, and colleagues.
• BBC Interviews: Various interviews and features on Steve Redgrave, covering different aspects of his career. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport