New Zealand win men's eight rowing gold 

New Zealand’s rowers were on top form as they claimed the men's eight gold medal.

Following a thrilling race, the men’s eight crew of Thomas Mackintosh, Hamish Bond, Tom Murray, Michael Brake, Daniel Williamson, Phillip Wilson, Shaun Kirkham, Matt Macdonald and Sam Bosworth claimed the gold at the Sea Forest Waterway in 5:24.64. 

Germany secured the silver in 5:25.60, edging Great Britain by 0.13 seconds with a late sprint for the line. 

Great Britain, the defending champions, took the bronze.

New Zealand won its second Olympic gold medal in the men's eight, following its first at Munich 1972.

Despite a relatively slow start, New Zealand was leading by the middle of the race. They maintained the advantage to hold off the Germany crew, who posted 5:25:60.  

World record holders Germany, who won gold at the London 2012 Games, raced ahead in the early stages of the race, with Great Britain in second after the first 500m.

New Zealand edged into the lead at the halfway point, as Britain and Germany continued to apply pressure. At this point, the three covers were separated by less than a second.

As the crews entered the final 500m, the race was set up for a thrilling finish. As the crews battled for supremacy, New Zealand pushed forwards, powering further into the lead.

Britain were unable to keep up their pace, eventually being pipped by Germany to silver.

Despite not winning the gold, Great Britain collected its fourth consecutive Olympic medal in the men's eight, after silver at Beijing 2008, bronze at London 2012 and gold at Rio 2016.