Italy claim first Olympic medal in women’s rowing

Valentina Rodini and Federica Cesarini made history for Italy as they won gold in the women’s lightweight double sculls to become the country’s first ever female Olympic medalists in rowing.

The Italian pair rowed to victory with a time of 6.47.54 finishing just 0.14 seconds ahead of second placed France 0.49 seconds ahead of defending champions Netherlands.

“It’s a great feeling,” said Cesarini on winning Olympic gold at Tokyo 2020. “It is difficult to describe, but we wanted it, we searched for it and finally we have it.”