14/08/2012
Magical McKeever wins Olympic gold
Kingston University's alumnus, Ed McKeever (28) won Olympic gold on Saturday when he raced his K1 (one-man kayak) over 200 metres at Dorney Lake, in Windsor.
Ed, who studied accountancy and finance at Kingston, beat seven other finalists to win in 36.246 seconds. He raced a perfect race, powering himself to the front after just a few seconds and holding the lead to the end.
An ecstatic crowd of 30,000 roared him to the finish line at Eton Dorney. Crossing the line he celebrated by hitting the water and punching the air. He spoke afterwards of his 'relief of becoming Olympic champion.'
"I knew I might struggle because I am one of the lighter guys, and we are more affected by a head wind,' said McKeever, moments after winning. "I was just focused on the first two or three strokes, and I really wanted to nail those to get out cleanly – then hopefully the race would sort itself out, and it did. I am so happy but I just felt relief. It sounds stupid but it's not elation, more relief that I did it in front of the home crowd."
Ed was able to celebrate with his team mates, Liam Heath and Jon Schofield who took bronze in the K2 (two-man kayak) over the same distance.
