Midlands' Olympic legends: Zac Purchase

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Zac Purchase Credit: PA

  • Date of Birth: 02/05/1986

  • Place of Birth: Cheltenham

  • Sport: Rowing

  • Event: Lightweight double sculls

  • Games competed: Beijing 2008, London 2012

  • Olympic Gold - Beijing 2008 - Lightweight double sculls

  • Olympic Silver - London 2012 - Lightweight double sculls

Zac Purchase began rowing in 1999, whilst a pupil at the King's School in Worcester.

By the age of 20, he was a full time member of the British rowing team and began training for the Beijing Olympics.

Purchase achieved a gold medal at the games with his partner Mark Hunter in the lightweight double sculls event.

The British duo defended their Olympic title in London, four years later but were pipped to a gold medal by Denmark.

Zac received an MBE in the 2009 New Year's Honours list, following his gold medal success.