OXFORDSHIRE’S Alex Gregory said Great Britain’s men’s four rowed the “perfect race” in clinching a fifth successive Olympic gold.

Henley’s Gregory, along with former Oxford University Boat Club president, Constantine Louloudis, Mohamed Sbihi and George Nash, beat the Australian crew by 1.83secs in Rio earlier today.

It marked a continuation of dominance in the event for Britain, who had previously won gold at every Games since 2000.

Leander Club member, Gregory, who was also part of the crew at London 2012, said: “I didn’t know what was happening four years ago. This one I knew what was coming and sitting on that start line it was horrible. 

“Those hours in the morning from our pre-paddle to coming out onto the start line were torturous.”

The 32-year-old added: “We just nailed it. It was our perfect race and we did it at the right time on the right day.”

Led by former Summer Fields pupil, Louloudis, at stroke, GB got off to a sharp start in the Lagoa Stadium, opening up a 0.83secs lead after 500m.

Australia dug deep to close the gap and narrowed the advantage to 0.22secs at the half-way stage.

But favourites Britain showed their power, responding to move clear by half a length with 500m to go.

From there on they were comfortable and Australia had no answer.

Leander’s Will Fletcher and Peter Chambers won their men’s lightweight double scull B final.

There could be more medals heading back to Oxfordshire tomorrow with both eight crews in action.

The entire men’s boat have county links, while seven of the women’s have Oxon connections.

Elsewhere, former Oxford University fly-half Tom Mitchell captained Great Britain to a silver medal in the rugby sevens late last night.

Despite being beaten 43-7 by Fiji in the final, the 27-year-old cut a proud figure.

“I had a few tears at the end,” he said.

“Everyone has worked so hard, and it has been an amazing journey.”