Hall of Fame

1. Vyacheslav Ivanov

Born: July 30, 1938

Nationality: Russian

Olympic achievements:

Three straight gold medals in men's single sculls from 1956 (Melbourne Games) to 1964 (Tokyo)

In the semifinals of the 500m men's skulls at Tokyo 1964, Ivanov briefly lost consciousness during the race but woke in time to clinch first place.

2. Pertti Karppinen

Born: February 17, 1953

Nationality: Finnish

Olympic achievements:

Three straight gold medals in men's single sculls from 1976 (Montreal Games) to 1984 (Los Angeles)

He finished 7th in the event at Seoul 1988 and 10th at Barcelona 1992.

Karppinen is one of only two rowers to win the Olympic single sculls three times.

3. Stephen Redgrave

Born: March 23, 1962

Nationality: English

Olympic achievements:

Gold, coxless four, Sydney 2000

Three straight gold medals in coxless pair from 1988 (Seoul Games) to 1996 (Atlanta)

Bronze, coxed pair, Seoul 1988

Gold, coxed four, Los Angeles 1984

Redgrave was the flag bearer for Team GB at both the Barcelona and Atlanta Games

4. Elisabeta Lipa

Born: October 25, 1964

Nationality: Romanian

Olympic achievements: Three straight gold medals in women's eight from 1996 (Atlanta Games) to 2004 (Athens)

Gold in single sculls and silver in double sculls at Barcelona 1992

Silver in double sculls and bronze in quadruple sculls at Seoul 1988

Gold in double sculls at Los Angeles 1984

Lipa is the most decorated rower in the history of the Olympics. She holds the record for the most years (20) between gold medals.