Members of Oxford Brookes University Boat Club have clinched a bronze medal at the Olympic Games in Paris.

Rowers Oli Wilkes, David Ambler, Matt Aldridge and Freddie Davidson came third in the men’s coxless four today (August 1).

The team turned it around having started slowly and came from last place to finish on the podium. 

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The British crew swept past Italy 800 metres from home into third place, eventually settling for bronze with the United States taking gold and New Zealand silver.

One of the United States rowers, Liam Corrigan, attended Oxford University and was based at Oriel College.

(Image: John Walton/PA) And the Brookes quartet embraced in a hug after stepping out of their boat at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium on the sixth day of the Olympic Games.

The BBC commentator, Katie Smith, described it as "a very proud day for Oxford Brookes". 

Broadcaster Sir Matthew Pinsent, who won four four consecutive Olympic gold medals, called it "a brilliant bronze for Great Britain". 

Great Britain's Oliver Wilkes, David Ambler, Matt Aldridge and Freddie Davidson celebrate winning bronze in the Men's Rowing Four final Great Britain's Oliver Wilkes, David Ambler, Matt Aldridge and Freddie Davidson celebrate winning bronze in the Men's Rowing Four final (Image: John Walton/PA)

Dame Katherine Grainger, a former Olympic gold medallist, said on BBC: " I think we've seen over the season, they've had big challenges coming out of the last couple of years.

"It's a real test of cohesion in that boat. Britain had to get away from that Italian boat. As much as we can tell from the outside, they will be proud of the medal."

Oxford Brookes University Boat Club had previously had 12 former athletes with Olympic honours before the 2024 games.

Brookes is being represented by a total of eight members from the Oxford Brookes University Boat Club at the Paris games. 

Rory Gibbs, Morgan Bolding and Tom Digby will row in the men's eight, with Harry Brightmore selected as their coxswain on Friday.

Louise Kingsley, British Rowing director of performance, who is rowing team leader in Paris, said: “This Olympic cycle has come with a few challenges along the way, but the athletes, support staff and coaches have really pulled together to create a fantastic atmosphere, culture and training environment that has lead to impressive results on the water.”

Earlier on Thursday morning, Helen Glover missed out on a third Olympic title as Great Britain were agonisingly edged out in a dramatic women’s four final.

The mum-of-three, who spoke at Oxford Union seven years ago, won pairs gold at London 2012 and Rio 2016, took four years out of the sport before the Tokyo Olympics and 12 months off after those Games before deciding to come back for more.

But her team were pipped by the Netherlands who held on to cross the line in six minutes 27.31 seconds – 0.18secs ahead of the British boat.