Hebden's Hodge triggers Britain's golden Saturday (From Craven Herald)

Hebden's Hodge triggers Britain's golden Saturday

9:43am Sunday 5th August 2012 in Sport By Alan Birkinshaw, Weeklies Sports Editor

Hebden 's Andy Hodge won his second Olympic rowing gold medal in the men's fours at Eton Dorney –as Great Britain enjoyed its greatest day in Olympic history.

The victory by Hodge, Pete Reed, Tom James and Alex Gregory was the first of six incredible gold medal successes for the home nation.

Their performance won acclaim from Sir Steve Redgrave who said “It was probably the best they have rowed. They were smooth, strong and powerful. It was fantastic rowing from the guys."

Great Britain started well and soon established a lead by the 500 metre mark with their main rivals Australia in close pursuit.

Hodge, Pete Reed, Tom James and Alex Gregory were moving smoothly but at the 1500 metres their lead was just a quarter of a length.

Roared on by the crowd they extended their lead and held off a strong finish from Australia. USA took third place.

The final was a contrast from Thursday's semi-final when Australia led for much of the race before being overtaken by a great finish from Hodge and his colleagues.

Afterwards an ecstatic Hodge said: "I am the happiest man in the world right now. I thank the crowd, our families and my wife for the wonderful support.

"This performance has been four years in the making. These guys are fantastic and we executed our plan perfectly."

Great Britain’s victory confirmed the wisdom of coach Jurgen Grobler bringing Hodge and Reed - both members of the gold medal crew in Beijing - back into the four this season after racing for three years as a pair.

Before the race Hodge said his aim was to stand on the podium singing the national anthem louder than anybody else and after receiving his medal he did just that.

And the jubilant scenes that followed his success were repeated five more times during a day Britain will never forget.

Their win was followed by victory for Sophie Hosking and Katherine Copeland in the women’s lightweight pairs.

At the velodrome the women’s team pursuit trio of Dani King, Laura Trott and Joanna Rowsell set a new world record in winning their event before Great Britain took an incredible three golds in the athletics in the evening session.