By ,
Published November 20, 2014
Germany won the gold medal in men's eight in the rowing competition at the Summer Olympics, controlling the race from start to finish. Canada earned the silver and Great Britain, in second for much of the race, held on at the end for bronze. It's the host country's second medal in rowing on Wednesday, having won gold (its first of the Games) in women's pair earlier in the day.
Germany started strong and never looked back -- they had the lead at the 500m, 1000m and 1500m timechecks, and by the finish line, they had stretched their lead, beating Canada by 1.23 seconds. The United States just missed the medal podium, finishing fourth, only 0.30 seconds behind the British.
Eight is just what it sounds like -- teams of eight rowers, plus a coxswain (responsible for steering directing the crew). The format is equally as simple: first team to cross the finish line wins.
For more on the Olympics, check out SB Nation's London 2012 Olympics Hub. For more on Olympic (SPORT), follow the 2012 Olympic Rowing section.
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/germany-wins-mens-eight-gold-in-rowing-great-britain-claims-bronze