Coxed Fours, Men

Switzerland had once been the favored nation in the coxed fours and, represented by the Zurich Rowing Club, seemed to be a strong contender for the event in Berlin. It was Germany, however, the defending Olympic and European champions, with the host nation advantage, who were the favorites. They were represented by MRV Amicitia, of Mannheim.

These nations won their opening heats with ease, with France in Germany’s heat being the only other nation to finish in less than 6:50.0. The Netherlands won the third heat, but in a time that would have placed them fourth in Switzerland’s heat and last in Germany’s. The semi-finals, which essentially served as a repêchage, were won by France, Hungary, and Denmark, although it should be noted that the times of the Americans and the Uruguayans in France’s heat were superior to those of Hungary and Denmark.

The race for gold came down to Germany and Switzerland and, while the latter was in front for the first half of the course, the host nation eventually took the lead and held it to win gold. Switzerland captured silver, while bronze went to France after they eked out a close victory against Hungary and the Netherlands. Italy, who had won every European Championship from 1925 through 1934, with the exception of 1930, performed poorly and failed to reach the final.