The men's eight event was part of the rowing programme at the 1928 Summer Olympics. It was one of seven rowing events for men and was the seventh appearance of the event, which had been on the programme for every Olympic Games since rowing was added in 1900.[1] It was held from 2 to 10 August 1928.[2] There were 11 boats (99 competitors) from 11 nations, with each nation limited to a single boat in the event.[2] The event was won by the United States, the third consecutive victory for the Americans in the event and fifth overall (winning every time the team competed). Great Britain returned to the podium after a one-Games absence in 1924 broke a three-Games medal streak, taking silver this time. Defending silver medalists Canada took bronze.
Background
This was the seventh appearance of the event. Rowing had been on the programme in 1896 but was cancelled due to bad weather. The men's eight has been held every time that rowing has been contested, beginning in 1900.[2]
Great Britain and the United States were the dominant nations in the event, with the nations winning all six prior Olympic men's eight competitions between them. The United States held a 4–2 edge and the reigning crown (two times in a row). They were represented this time by the University of California, Berkeley (the United States) and the Thames Rowing Club (Great Britain). The Thames club had won the Grand Challenge Cup at Henley in 1927 and 1928.[2]
Denmark and Poland each made their debut in the event. Belgium, Canada, France, Great Britain, and the United States each made their fifth appearance, tied for most among nations to that point.
Competition format
The "eight" event featured nine-person boats, with eight rowers and a coxswain. It was a sweep rowing event, with the rowers each having one oar (and thus each rowing on one side). The course used the 2000 metres distance that became the Olympic standard in 1912.[3]
The 1928 competition expanded the repechage system introduced in 1924, giving losing rowers a second chance at advancement. However, the number of rowers in each race was once again limited to two. These changes led to the tournament having a total of seven rounds (five main rounds and two repechages).
The first round had 11 boats in 6 heats, with one of the boats having a bye and the other 10 competing one-on-one. The winner of each heat (6 total boats) advanced to the second round, while the loser (5 boats) went to the first repechage.
The first repechage had 5 boats. They were placed in 3 heats, one of which was a walkover. The winner of each advanced to the second round while the loser was eliminated. Rowers advancing via the first repechage had a continuing disadvantage to those who advanced directly from the first round, as they were not eligible for the second repechage.
The second round had 9 boats, with 8 competing in 4 heats and a fifth heat being a walkover. Winners (5 total) advanced to the quarterfinals, while losers went to the second repechage (if they had advanced directly from the first round) or were eliminated (if they had already been through the first repechage).
The second repechage had 2 boats, competing in a single heat. The winner advanced to the quarterfinals, with the loser eliminated.
The quarterfinals were the first round without a repechage. Six boats had advanced to the quarterfinals; they competed in 3 heats, with winners advancing to the semifinals and losers eliminated.
The semifinals placed the 3 boats in 2 heats, one of which was a walkover. Winners advanced to the final, with the loser receiving the bronze medal.
The final round consisted of a single final (for gold and silver).
Winners advanced to the third round. Losers competed in the second repechage, if they had advanced by winning in the first round, or were eliminated if they had advanced through the first repechage.
The competition became single-elimination from this point, with losers being eliminated even if they had not previously had to advance through a repechage.
Great Britain advanced uncontested to the final, and was joined by the United States after the United States won the only semifinal against Canada. Canada received the bronze medal.
