Russian Federation rallied from five points down to beat France 45-41, capturing its third gold in fencing.
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In the men’s event, Mahe Drysdale secured New Zealand’s second rowing gold medal of the Games.
It was Britain’s first gold in the event since Sydney 2000 and was thoroughly deserved after a storming start to the race.
“I am so happy, but a little bit exhausted now”, said France’s Houin to WorldRowing.
Great Britain’s Scott Durant, Tom Ransley, Matt Gotrel, Paul Bennett, Matt Langridge, William Satch, cox Phelan Hill, Andrew Triggs Hodge and Pete Reed celebrate with their gold medals in the men’s eight final on the eighth day of the Rio Olympics. Their finish marked the highest placing ever for the U.S.in this event. Team GB looked set to miss out the podium having been last at the halfway stage, but a late surge saw them pip the teams from Romania and early leaders Canada, to finish behind the Americans.
Speaking afterwards, Eddie hailed all the women who had helped to get them there, telling the BBC: “I’m so proud of these nine girls but there’s about 50 more behind us that got us here”.
The U.S. crew won the race in 6 minutes, 1.49 seconds.
All told, 21 nations won rowing medals at Rio 2016, versus 18 at London 2012.
Stone was the second-fastest overall qualifier from the semifinals.
Australian Kimberley Brennan took gold in the women’s single sculls.
As reigning world champions, Team GB were odds-on favourites for the men’s event, and were dominant from the start. Also qualifying for Saturday’s medal race were Croatia’s Damir Martin, Cuba’s Angel Fournier Rodriguez, Hannes Obreno, and surprise qualifier Stanisla Shchabachenia of Belarus, who used a huge move late in the race to surprise the field and snag a qualifying spot.
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In the placement finals, the USA men’s four of Seth Weil, Charlie Cole, Matt Miller and Henrik Rummel finished out their week in Rio with a win in the B-final for 7th place overall.
