Amidst an atmosphere thick with emotion, Michael Grady stood with his gold medal gleaming on his chest and his hand pressed firmly over his heart. Tears welled up in his eyes as the American national anthem played, honoring the momentous victory.
For the first time in 64 years, Team USA had captured gold in the Olympic men's four rowing event. Grady, alongside teammates Nick Mead, Justin Best, and Liam Corrigan, powered through to victory at the Paris Olympics on Thursday. They completed the grueling 2,000-meter race in a remarkable 5:49.03, just ahead of New Zealand, who clocked in at 5:49.88.
The bronze went to Great Britain, the 2023 World Champions, who finished at 5:52.42. Grady, clearly moved, took a moment to absorb the historic win.
“A few tears almost came out. I can say I held them back − not toxic masculinity or anything − but it's really an emotional moment to be able to represent the USA on the highest stage and walk away in the most successful position. Not a lot of people can say that," he said (USA TODAY).
The atmosphere at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium was electric. Flags of various nations fluttered in the breeze as fans, equipped with noise-makers, banged them against their legs in support. The smell of freshly baked pastries and a variety of drinks from the concession stands filled the air, while spectators from around the globe gathered to witness the races.
The intense heat added another layer to the day's challenges. A French woman, equipped with fans that doubled as Team France posters, roamed the crowd, offering relief from the sweltering temperatures. "You must cheer for France if I give you this," she said.
The result? France gained a legion of new supporters as grateful spectators fanned themselves to keep cool.
With Mead in the bow position and Corrigan at the stroke, the American team claimed an early lead and maintained it through each 500-meter checkpoint.
The win marks a significant comeback for Team USA, who had not won a medal in rowing at the Tokyo 2021 Games. This gold medal is their first in the men’s fours since the Rome Games in 1960.
The race was a nail-biter, and spectators were equally intense. As Team USA neared the finish line, chants of "USA! USA!" erupted from the stands. "It's incredible to actually be here and see our team win," said one enthusiastic fan decked in the American flag from head to toe. "We've waited a long time for this, and it feels amazing to witness history."
Seated nearby were Canadian fans, who had traveled from North America to soak in the Olympic atmosphere. Their camaraderie with the American fans added to the international spirit of the event.
A board member for Team Great Britain shared his excitement while waiting in line at a bakery. "Working for Team Great Britain has been an amazing journey, and Paris has brought a new level of excitement. I’ve been to the last three games, but this is my first time at a rowing event, and the atmosphere is beyond what I could have imagined," he said.
Beyond the men’s four, Team USA also competed in other events on Thursday, though they missed the podium in the men's double sculls and women's four competitions.
The rowing events continue through the weekend, with more medal opportunities on the horizon. On Friday, Jess Thoennes and Azja Czajkowski will compete in the women's pair, while Molly Reckford and Michelle Sechser take on the lightweight women's double sculls.
As the Paris Games continue, the triumph of Grady, Mead, Best, and Corrigan will be remembered as a historic victory, marking the return of American prowess in Olympic rowing. The supportive crowd, the colorful international presence, and the shared joy of the event truly captured the essence of the Olympic spirit.