Les O’Connell

Les O’Connell is a former New Zealand rower who achieved Olympic glory as a member of the men’s coxless four team, winning a gold medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games. In addition to his Olympic success, he has secured consecutive world championship titles, solidifying his reputation in the sport. Recently, O’Connell made headlines when his home in Christchurch was burglarized, leading to the theft of his irreplaceable Olympic gold medal, which he described as having immense sentimental value. O’Connell expressed concerns about the potential destruction of the medal, emphasizing that it represents a once-in-a-lifetime achievement.