Roman Hagar and Hans-Peter Steinacher win gold in the tornado for the second time after Sydney. With a win of the day they underline their extra class. America's Cup star Cayard messes up in the star boat and comes in fifth.
For Germany, the two final races of these Olympic Games were no longer about anything - and nothing more came of it. Roland Gäbler and Gunnar Struckmann finished eleventh in the eleventh race, confirming their eleventh place. For Gäbler it was the fifth participation in the Olympic Games. His conclusion: "In terms of sailing, they were my worst games. We had no problems with speed, but tactically we were just bad."
Gäbler sees a lack of experience as one of the main reasons for the disappointing placement. "Gunnar and I only started sailing together a year ago. Other teams have been together for a much longer period and trained before Athens three years ago." But he explicitly praised his crew: "Gunnar is one of the very few who have completely subordinated their lives to the sport. A tornado sailor is growing up who will help the class a lot when I retire."
It could take a while until then, because Gäbler has already announced a new campaign for 2008. "We are very close despite this difficult hour. Training in Miami will start in December."
The Austrians had reason to celebrate, after securing their second precious metal in the laser after Andreas Geritzer's silver medal. Silver won in the tornado by the Americans Lovell / Oggletree, bronze by the Argentinians Lange / Espinola.
In the star boat it was only a question of second and third place after the Brazilian Grael Ferreirschon secured gold prematurely. With a second place in the last race, the Canadians MacDonald / Wolfs were able to overtake the French Rohart / Rambeau, who had been second up until then. US star Paul Cayard had to bury his medal hopes with a penultimate place. He finished fifth.
And the German team? Alexander Hagen and Jochen Wolfram did not get past twelfth place in the last race either and stayed penultimate.