spencerian venue: Copeland and Hosking seal Britain's tenth ...

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Copeland and Hosking seal Britain's tenth ... - BBC World News

Katherine Copeland and Sophie Hosking have won another gold medal for Team GB in the women?s lightweight double sculls at Eton Dorney. Hosking and Copeland won the third gold for Team GB?s female rowers (Picture: Getty) In what has been a superb regatta for the home crews at London 2012, Copeland and Hosking claimed the third top-spot for Team GB?s women and their nation?s tenth rowing medal overall, crossing the line over a length ahead of the Chinese in second with the Greeks following in third. ?I can?t believe this is real. We?ve just won the Olympics. I?ve been trying all week not to think about it as it?s made me cry every time,? said Copeland. The pair got off to a flying start, settling into a solid rhythm early on and taking the race to strong contenders Greece. The world champion Greek crew took the lead at the 500m mark, but Copeland and Hosking stuck with them well, as the two boats ? along with China ? started to edge ahead of the rest of the field. By the halfway stage, the British pair had regained the lead and never looked back, as they extended their advantage to a length at 1500m. And from that point the outcome was never in doubt, as the chasing boats kept slipping back and Copeland and Hosking crossed the line some distance ahead. The celebrations that followed were among the most dramatic of the week, as they exchanged looks of disbelief and a heartfelt embrace. Hosking and Copeland?s celebrations were among the most genuine and heartwarming of the Games so far (Picture: AFP/Getty) ?It?s been something we?ve been working on for so long and there are so many people we have to thank. I just can?t believe it actually happened,? said Hosking. Earlier in the day, Britain?s men?s fours won their fourth consecutive Olympic gold ahead of Australia and the USA. PICTURES: Another successful day for Team GB at Eton Dorney