By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@GalloImages.
Twelve years later, a famous awesome foursome member veteran rower John Smith hopes to close out his top-flight career with a bang when he turns out at his fourth Olympic Games in Paris.
This time, however, Smith compete in the men’s pairs with Chris Baxter, an Olympic debutant. After London, the 34-year-old Smith competed at Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo.
On August 2, 2012, Sizwe Ndlovu, Smith, Matthew Brittain and James Thompson of South Africa won the gold medal after winning the men’s lightweight four final at Eton Dorney (a purpose-built rowing lake) in Windsor, England at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Three metres out, any of four boats could have won, but the exhilarating South Africans produced one of the greatest rowing finishes in Olympic history to claim gold.
The three rowers were given a rapturous send-off by Rowing South Africa officials and fans at OR Tambo International Airport over the weekend.
Grant Dodds, Rowing South Africa team manager, said the athletes were touched by the massive turnout at the airport
“It was such an amazing send-off from the rowing community, so super-special to see our coaches and fellow rowers in their green and gold showing their support for our rowers,” said Dodds.
The rowing competition at the Games will be held between 29 July and 3 August.