Mahé Drysdale's gold medal in the single sculls at the London Olympics was a just reward for years of achievement at the highest level, blighted by cruel luck at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. In the years before Beijing Drysdale had won three world championships, but even to get to the games he was forced into a dramatic race-off – which he won – against the 2000 Olympic champion Rob Waddell. Drysdale arrived at Beijing as hot favourite for the event. However, a viral infection undermined his strength and only sheer determination brought him a consolation bronze. He again won world championships in 2009 and 2011, but was hit by a car six weeks before the London Olympics. He also had the added responsibility of being New Zealand's flag bearer at the games. In the final he was fourth at the 500-metre mark, but had hit the front by 1,000 metres and held on against his friend and rival, Ondrej Synek of the Czech Republic, to win by 1.5 seconds. At Rio in 2016, Drysdale again took the gold medal in a thrilling final. Drysdale and Croatia’s Damir Martin both recorded the same race time of 6:41.34, with Drysdale declared the winner in a photo finish.