Women's rowing team win gold in Paris; Netherlands's fourth medal at the games

The Dutch rowing team won the women's four final on Thursday, earning the country its second gold medal in rowing at the Olympics in Paris. Marloes Oldenburg, Hermijntje Drenth, Tinka Offereins, and Benthe Boonstra were just about too fast for the women representing the United Kingdom in an exciting race.

The Netherlands' boat started the race strongly and had a comfortable lead over the UK after the first quarter, which had already been predicted to be the biggest challenger to the Dutch. The UK had more or less leveled the race halfway through but was never ahead. With a minimal difference (6.27,13 to 6.27,31), the Dutch rowing team ensured they won gold. The bronze medal went to New Zealand with a time of 6.29,08.

Many Dutch people were present at the hot rowing course of Vailes-sur-Marne just outside Paris. They sang "Holland, Holland" to help Oldenburg, Drenth, Offereins, and Boonstra through the last few meters of the race. This was the Dutch's second rowing medal of the day after the men's team came second in the double sculls final.

The Dutch quartet already won the world title in Belgrade last year. This was all four rowers' debut at the games.

On Wednesday, the men had rowed their way to the country's first gold medal at this edition of the Olympics. This was followed by a silver medal won by Casper Corbeau in the swimming men's 200-meter breath stroke before the two medals won today.