Mahe Drysdale won an unprecedented three world championships in a row and went into the Beijing Olympics as favourite. During the regatta Mahe was struck down by a stomach virus and ended up on a drip as he attempted to recover between the semi-final and final.

Drysdale lined up for the 2km Olympic final looking gaunt. He put everything he had into the race and with 300m to go was leading the field. However, in the final stages of the race the effect of the illness took its toll allowing the reigning Olympic champion Olaf Tufte to sneak through and defend his Olympic title. Drysdale had to settle for bronze before being carried out of his boat completely exhausted.

Post Olympics, Drysdale was voted New Zealand’s favourite athlete. As the Waikato Times put it, ‘Drysdale’s ‘show of courage had rowed himself into the hearts of the New Zealand public.’