Britain’s oarsome eight grab gold

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“We fight bloody hard on the water. I’d like to see the sport work hard, look at triathlon and other sports, see how they are fighting to move forwards on a professional agenda. Future rowers deserve that.

“The route back for me after a year out has been challenging – we have delivered our utmost with no short cuts. This year is richer because of that, we have come away with the ultimate prize.

“Three golds at three Olympics is great, but you pay for being in a sport that long. I can walk away now in a privileged position.”

Forever

Naval officer Reed was far more positive, saying: “It’s times like these that you just think you could do this forever. This is the greatest sport, it’s the greatest feeling. Even the sacrifices are worth it. I don’t want this to be the end. I feel as strong as ever.

“Can I imagine watching Tokyo? Yes, I can. But, yes, I can imagine being there, too.”

British cox Zoe de Toledo says her Boat Race nightmare inspired her to glory after she led Team GB to a first-ever medal in the women’s eight behind the United States.

De Toledo was the Oxford cox in the infamous 2012 Varsity race, when the race was halted by a protester swimming in front of the crews. Oxford went on to lose when one oarsman broke a blade and another – Alex Woods, now De Toledo’s partner – collapsed with exhaustion.

But yesterday was a complete contrast as she led her eight from last place at halfway to grab a silver medal.

De Toledo said: “I don’t get nervous any more because I know nothing will ever be as bad as that again.”