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Pieces of Eight - A Quest for Gold

Television (Full Length) – 1984

This documentary follows the efforts of the New Zealand rowing eight to win gold at 1984’s Los Angeles Olympics. The eight, coached by the legendary Harry Mahon, had won the past two world champs and were expected to repeat the triumph of the 1972 Kiwi eight at Munich. Amongst training at home, the infamous six minutes of pain — the “erg test” — is featured; one of the most demanding trials in sport. The action then shifts to LA for the Olympic finals. The film offers a gripping insight into the extreme lengths the amateur athletes go to in their quest for gold.

I’m glad that race is finished ... it shows we’re all human I suppose.
– A member of the eight after the Olympic final

Key Cast & Crew

See all 11 credits

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