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The Gold Four (Danish: Guldfireren) is the nickname for a Danish men's lightweight coxless four crew who between 1994 and 2012 has won three Olympic gold, one silver and two bronze, and 6 gold and two silver at the world championships, making them one of the most successful crews in rowing history.
History
Eskild Ebbesen was the sole constant crew member through the various combinations of crews from the conception of the The Gold Four in 1993 to his retirement at the 2012 Olympics. Other members of medal winning crews include Thomas Poulsen (1993-1999), Victor Feddersen (1993-2000), Niels Laulund Henriksen (1993-1996), Thomas Ebert (1996-2008), Søren Madsen (2000-2002), Thor Kristensen (2000-2005) and Mads Kruse Andersen (2004-2008).
Eskild Ebbesen's retirement meant the end of a clear lineage through the crews, however his crew mates from the 2012 Olympics have continued the heritage of the famous crew.
The 2016 Olympics crew consists of Kasper Winther Jørgensen (2008-), Jacob Barsøe (2011-) and 2008 Olympics gold winner Morten Jørgensen (2007-), who were all part of the 2012 Olympics bronze winners, as well as newcomer Jacob Larsen (2012-). This combination has already won 2 world championships since 2012. They reached the final of the 2016 Summer Olympics just behind Switzerland who eventually also finished ahead of the danish crew in the final of the Men's lightweight coxless four.
Ebbesen is quoted as saying about the Gold Four's approach to rowing: Our strategy, for every race, was always to be first, to be number one from the beginning of the race. A fast start was important. It became natural for us to do a high stroke rate. It then escalated. I don't think we have many strokes under 40.