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| |  Saturday, 30 December, 2000, 00:00 GMT Pinsent makes his own mark Pinsent shows off his Olympic haul Few individuals can lay claim to such an impressive haul of awards as Matthew Pinsent. The latest, a CBE, is added to a collection that already includes an MBE, three Olympic golds and seven World Championship successes. But even upon being bestowed this latest honour Pinsent remains in the shade of the rower now known as Sir Steven Redgrave. Typically, Pinsent is still gracious in praise for Redgrave and his fellow colleagues. "I am hugely delighted for rowing, for myself and for Tim, James and Sir Steve," said Pinsent as each member of the coxless four were recognised.
Now with Redgrave having departed the Olympic scene Pinsent has the opportunity to take centre stage himself. His illustrious team-mate has already tipped Pinsent to add to his Olympic haul. "There's no reason he can't go and beat five," said Redgrave. "I'm sure it will be beaten and I'd like to think it would be him." Pinsent has come a long way since making his international debut in the eights at the Junior World Championships in 1987. On that occasion he finished fourth. but from 1988 onwards the Dorset born 30-year-old began an amazing run that has seen him win either an Olympic or World Championship medal every year. The partnership with Redgrave began in 1990 but the duo had to settle for bronze in the Coxless Pairs at the World Championships. 1991 saw them strike gold, but Redgrave's illness forced the pairing to withdraw early from the season's action.
Pinsent returned to Oxford to continue his studies before receiving the MBE. With three further World golds and another Olympic success, Pinsent followed Redgrave into the Coxless Fours and the medals continued to flow. A hat-trick of World Championship wins and an undefeated World Cup run lit up the late 1990s. The year 2000 saw the World Cup successfully defended prior to their Sydney success. Now with a CBE added he still has plenty of time on his side. Pinsent is eight years younger than Redgrave and can now take the centre stage. And who is to say that Pinsent may not only emulate Redgrave's rowing achievements but also join him with a knighthood? | |
See also:  06 Oct 00 | AudioVideo 16 Oct 00 | Rowing and Water Sports 16 Nov 00 | Sports Personality Top New Year Honours stories now: Links to more New Year Honours stories are at the foot of the page. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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