Cracknell's gold stolen from home

Olympic hero's medals and transatlantic memoirs missing

Local resident and Olympic rowing hero, James Cracknell, is said to be "gutted" after thieves broke into his home and stole two gold medals.

The burglars also made off with a laptop containing photographs of his rowing attempt across the Atlantic and and substantial portion of the book he is currently writing based on the grueling adventure he shared with Ben Fogle.

Cracknell, who was particularly saddened not only by the theft of his wedding ring but also by the fact that his young son was in the house at the time, is offering a reward for the safe return of his belongings.

Fellow medal winning oarsman Matthew Pinsent said that the medals were worth hundreds in monetary value but they would be impossible to sell on.

James Cracknell OBE sadly announced recently that his last incredible conquest was the end of his competitive rowing career. His decision marked the end of an inspirational and legendary career which began whilst James was at Kingston Grammar School. His international debut came in 1989 in the coxed pair which finished tenth at the Junior World Championships.

March 4, 2006