Leicester graduate helps Team GB win Olympic gold medal
A law graduate has helped Team GB win an Olympic gold medal.
Phelan Hill, who graduated from Leicester in 2001 with a degree in Law (LLB), is coxswain of the GB Rowing Team men’s eight - and today (Saturday 13 August) helped the team win a gold in Rio to reclaim the Olympic title for the first time since 2000.
It is Britain's third gold medal of the rowing competition, and follows the women's eight earlier winning silver.
Sir Steve Redgrave, five-time Olympic rowing champion, lauded the success, saying: "GB went out in front and led the field. They struggled in the last 250 metres but the job was done. There wasn't one doubt through the full race.
"We have topped the Olympic rowing table and that is very, very impressive."
Phelan has competed in the past two Olympiads, playing an integral role in the boat’s success during that time.
Before heading to Rio, Phelan said: “It’s a real honour to be selected to represent for Team GB at the (Rio) Olympics. The circle is now complete. When I competed at London, I was but the learner now I am the master.”
Phelan's words have come true for him and the team, who have proven their mastery of the sport.
Phelan is currently taking time out from his work as a Senior Policy Advisor with HM Treasury, who are hugely supportive of his rowing career.