Francis and Spoors Win Gold in Double Sculls

Share to Google Classroom

New Zealand’s double sculls team, Francis and Spoors, have won gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The final race lineup included Norway in lane 1, Great Britain in lane 2, New Zealand in lane 3, Romania in lane 4, the Netherlands in lane 5, and France in lane 6. The Romanians, who were also competing in the eight-man race, started strong. They raced quickly, but Great Britain took an early lead at the 500-meter mark, followed closely by Romania, the Netherlands, and New Zealand.

As the race continued, New Zealand began to gain speed, overtaking the Netherlands. By the halfway point, Romania had moved into the lead, with Great Britain in second place.

However, Francis and Spoors of New Zealand were closing in fast and soon overtook the British team.

With only 500 meters left, New Zealand held the lead. Both the British and Romanian teams tried to catch up, but Francis and Spoors maintained their position.

“I’m not going to lie, it’s been a tough, long build back. I also think of our families, our partners… the whole Rowing NZ team.”

In the final 100 meters, Romania made one last push, but it was not enough to overtake New Zealand. Francis and Spoors crossed the finish line first, securing the gold medal for New Zealand.

“Honestly, I still can’t believe it, but I definitely I’ve watched so many people win Olympic gold medals,” Francis said. “Silver in Tokyo was special, but gold is something else.”

PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 01: Gold medalists Brooke Francis and Lucy Spoors of Team New Zealand celebrate on the podium at the Rowing Women’s Double Sculls medal ceremony on day six of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Vaires-Sur-Marne Nautical Stadium on August 01, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 01: Brooke Francis and Lucy Spoors of Team New Zealand celebrate winning the gold medals after competing in the Women’s Double Sculls Final A on day six of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Vaires-Sur-Marne Nautical Stadium on August 01, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
1
A slice of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip’s wedding...
1
An Oregon man has set a new world record by...
1
Cassius, the enormous saltwater crocodile who held the Guinness World...

World & National News

1
A famous pair of ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland...
1
The United Nations recently backed a proposal from New Zealand...
1
Domino’s long-time CEO Don Meij is stepping down after two...
2
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x