'I'm the happiest man in the world' says Hodge after victory (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

'I'm the happiest man in the world' says Hebden's Andy Hodge after winning gold in men's four

1:47pm Saturday 4th August 2012 in Sport

Hebden's Andy Hodge and his men’s four team-mates produced a sensational performance to beat Australia and win Olympic gold for Great Britain in the men’s coxless fours.

Hodge, Pete Reed, Tom James and Alex Gregory led from the start to extend Britain’s dominance over the Olympic event to 16 years.

Hodge, James and Reed are all now double Olympic champions, having been part of the victorious crew in Beijing.

Hodge described the race as the crew’s “masterpiece”.

He said: “These guys are the best three rowers Great Britain have, they’re absolutely phenomenal.

“It was just impeccable rowing. We executed our plan. It was our masterpiece. It took four years to make that.

“Four years training every day, pulling out everything we had. I’m the happiest man in the world. I’ve been blessed with these guys, I’ve been blessed with the support of my family and my wife. I’m on cloud nine.”

Britain powered to victory in six minutes, 03.97 seconds.