Redgrave reaps top award

Redgrave was awarded medal by the International Rowing Federation (Fisa) for his "outstanding career" in the sport.

With his extraordinary performances, Steve Redgrave has been a role model for a large number of rowers and athletes," said Fisa president Denis Oswald.

"He is truly an exceptional oarsman."

Redgrave won an unprecedented fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Games when he was part of the men's four.

He has also been world champion a record nine times.

The 18-carat gold Thomas Keller medal, named after the late president of Fisa, is the highest honour in the sport and was first presented to Norway's Alf Hansen in 1990.

Redgrave received the medal at the Rowing World Cup in Lucerne, Switzerland on 14 July.