Germany's eight-man rowing team came back after 20 years of disappointment to win the Olympic gold medal in London for the first time since 1988. On their way to a memorable victory the team climbed an enormous mountain, beating a British squad that has done consistently well in the World Cup and was rowing on home water and a Canadian team which set a world best time at a World Cup event in Lucerne in May. Crew members attributed their success since 2009 to coach Ralf Holtmeyer, who has led them to their last three world championships.
