Sir Steve Redgrave to miss Olympics for first time in 40 years due to BBC work drying up

Sir Steve Redgrave, a five-time Olympic champion, will be missing out on this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris, marking the first time in 40 years that he will not be present at the prestigious event. The 62-year-old legendary rower did not make it to the final round of interviews at British rowing and has also seen his work with the BBC come to a halt.

Redgrave’s illustrious Olympic career saw him win gold medals at five consecutive Games from 1984 to 2000, along with a bronze at the 1988 Olympics in Los Angeles. Following his retirement from rowing, he ventured into various endeavors, including running the London Marathon, appearing on Top Gear for Sport Relief, and launching his own clothing brand, FiveG.

Despite his successful career as a pundit for the BBC at Olympic Games and his role as the high-level performance director for the Chinese Rowing Association, Redgrave’s work with the BBC has dwindled since 2006. He cited the evolving dynamics within the broadcasting team as a reason for his reduced involvement.

Redgrave’s stint with the Chinese rowing team, where he significantly improved their Olympic performance, came to an end in 2022 due to Covid-19 restrictions preventing him from visiting his family. His subsequent application for a director role at British rowing did not progress to the final interview stage, leaving him disappointed but acknowledging the team’s strong position heading into Paris.

As Redgrave prepares for a cruise along the Seine before the Olympics, he reflects on his legacy and the impact he has had on the sport of rowing. Despite missing out on this year’s Games, his remarkable achievements and contributions to the sport will always be remembered by fans and admirers worldwide.