Drysdale on Rio gold: I saw my name and just celebrated

  • 14/08/2016
Mahe Drysdale (Photosport)
Mahe Drysdale (Photosport)

Never in his wildest dreams did Mahe Drysdale think he would win an Olympic gold medal by a photo-finish.

Whether it was by a coat of paint or a drop of water, the veteran Kiwi was adjudged to have won single sculls gold after a riveting duel with Croatian Damir Martin.

An overjoyed Drysdale said it was never part of the plan to let Martin back into the race.

"Even with 400m to go I was feeling really good and was pushing away from the field and I thought 'this is good', it was kind of like London I thought," said Drysdale.

"Damir just chucked everything at me and it was touch and go at the end there and it was a pretty agonising wait."

The 37-year-old was left hanging on the result as he idled along after the finish line.

"I had no idea, it just so tight. I was looking at [Damir] and he was looking at me.

"I guess there was a little bit of peace that I knew I had spent everything and that was it.

"I just wanted to know the result either way, and when it came up as gold it was a special moment.

"I saw my name come up and I just celebrated, but then I looked back because I was worried they made a mistake."

Click on the video above for the interview with Mahe Drysdale.

Newshub.