Henry Fieldman creates history as first athlete to win Olympic medals in both Men's and Women's events

British rower Henry Fieldman achieved a historic milestone on Saturday by becoming the first athlete to secure Olympic medals in both men’s and women’s rowing events. Fieldman, serving as the cox for Great Britain’s Women’s Eight rowing team, played a pivotal role in their bronze medal victory at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

This remarkable accomplishment comes three years after Fieldman earned a bronze medal with the men’s team in the same event at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Fieldman's unique achievement is a testament to his versatility and expertise as a cox, a position crucial for steering the boat and coordinating the rowers' rhythm and strategy.

In Paris, the British Women's Eight team, under Fieldman's guidance, finished third in a highly competitive race, with Romania clinching the gold medal and Canada taking silver. This podium finish was particularly significant given the high expectations and the intense pressure of Olympic competition.

How do Men compete in Female events?

The historic nature of Fieldman’s feat is further underscored by the changes in World Rowing’s regulations following the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. The rule change allowed coxes of either sex to steer the eights, the only Olympic rowing boats that still require a cox.

This opened the door for athletes like Fieldman to compete across both men’s and women’s events, adding a new dimension to the sport and highlighting the importance of skill and experience over gender in this specialized role.

Fieldman’s success not only marks a personal triumph but also sets a new benchmark in Olympic rowing, demonstrating the evolving nature of the sport. His ability to lead teams to success in both the men's and women's events exemplifies the critical role of the cox and the impact of recent regulatory changes in broadening opportunities within the sport.

As the first athlete to win Olympic medals in both categories, Fieldman has etched his name in the history books, inspiring future generations of rowers and coxes to pursue excellence, regardless of the traditional boundaries within the sport.