Oliver Zeidler showed great emotion after crossing the finish line. © ANSA / MAXIM SHIPENKOV

German rower breaks Olympic taboo

For Oliver Zeidler, the dream of winning the Olympic gold medal has come true. After several world and European championship titles, the single sculler proved his nerves of steel and stamina in the final battle for Olympic gold. He won Germany's third gold medal at these games.

August 03, 2024

From: dpa

After a thrilling battle, the 28-year-old from Munich relegated the Belarusian Yevgeni Solotoi and the Dutchman Simon van Dorp to second and third place with a clear lead. This makes him the first German since Thomas Lange (1988 and 1992) to triumph in the Olympic skiff final.

The coup around 30 kilometers east of Paris dispelled the frustration of the bitter semi-final exit three years ago in Tokyo. At the time, he had considered ending his career, but after careful consideration decided to try again. The tattoo of the Olympic rings on his neck indicates how great his longing was for a victory in Paris 2024. Even the one-hour delay due to transport did not throw Zeidler off track that morning.

From the water to the water

Rowing is a tradition in the Zeidler family. Grandfather Hans-Johann Färber won Olympic gold in the foursome in 1972, uncle Matthias Ungemach became world champion in the eightsome in 1990, and aunt Judith Zeidler won Olympic gold in the GDR eightsome in 1988.

Oliver Zeidler won Germany's third gold medal in Paris. © APA/afp / BERTRAND GUAY

It was therefore not surprising that the former competitive swimmer Oliver Zeidler switched from the water to the water in 1996. In an astonishingly short time, the 2,03 meter tall model athlete rose to the top of the world.