Croatia shocked in quadruple sculls as Germany grab gold

LONDON: Germany led from start to finish and grab gold in the men’s quadruple sculls at the Olympics rowing regatta.

Croatia, champions in Beijing in 2008, took silver, a boat length adrift, with Australia filling the bronze medal position.

The German crew comprised Karl Schulze, Philipp Wende, Lauritz Schoof and Tim Grohmann. The runners-up at the 2011 world championships claimed Germany’s second rowing title at Eton Dorney, west of London, after their men’s eights team won gold on Wednesday.

Schulze and teammates powered clear from the first stroke with Croatia, favourites after posting the fastest time in the semi-finals, never posing a serious threat.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 4^th, 2012.