Army rower Stephen Cox qualifies for Paris Olympics
Army rower Lance Corporal Stephen Cox has qualified a boat in the Men's Single Sculls for next year's summer Olympic Games in Paris after a strong showing at the African Rowing Championships in Tunisia.
The lance corporal, who rows under Zimbabwe, grabbed one of five Olympic spots available for Africa through the continental qualification regattas, after placing fourth in the finals of the Men's Single Sculls (M1x).
He finished with a time of 07:25:22, just 23:44 seconds behind the leading boat of Egypt's Abdelkhalek Elbanna, who won the African title.
Reacting to his Olympic qualification in a post on Instagram, LCpl Cox said that "hard work does pay off", after he missed out on qualifying for the last summer Olympics in Tokyo.
He wrote: "An end to one hell of a season, but a great one. I managed to qualify for the Paris Olympics, hard work does pay off.
"Looking forward to an amazing holiday then back to work.
"I can't thank everyone enough for all the support on this journey, without whom this wouldn't be possible."
The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris will take place from 26 July-11 August 2024.
Congratulations to Steve Cox who qualified to compete in the Men’s Single Scull rowing event (“M1x”) at the #Paris2024 Games, claiming the 4th spot from Africa at the combined Africa Olympic Qualification Regatta/Africa Rowing Championships held in Tunisia. @KirstyCoventrypic.twitter.com/BUUtqtXGD4
— Zimbabwe Olympic Committee (@TeamZimOlympic) October 26, 2023
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