The 1920 Olympic rowing regatta marked the debut of future legends Kelly, Beresford, and Costello, and began a US dominance in the men's eight lasting seven consecutive Games.
Key Facts
- Number of events
- 5
- Competition dates
- 27–29 August 1920
- Singles gold medalist
- John B. Kelly Sr. (USA)
- Doubles gold medalists
- Kelly and Costello (USA)
- US eights representative
- United States Naval Academy
- Beresford Olympic medals
- Medaled at 5 consecutive Olympics
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following the suspension of the Olympic Games during World War I, the 1920 Summer Olympics were awarded to Antwerp, Belgium, as a gesture of recognition to a war-ravaged nation. Rowing returned as a competitive program, attracting talented athletes from multiple nations eager to compete on the international stage for the first time in years.
Five rowing events were contested from 27 to 29 August 1920 on the waters near Antwerp. John B. Kelly Sr. defeated Jack Beresford in a closely fought singles final, then immediately partnered with cousin Paul Costello to win the doubles gold. The United States Naval Academy crew took the men's eight title.
Kelly, Beresford, and Costello each went on to distinguished Olympic careers, with Beresford ultimately medaling at five consecutive Games. The US men's eight, represented by university crews from 1920 onward, won gold at each of the next seven Olympic Games, establishing an era of American dominance in the event.
Result
at Antwerp, Belgium