SIR Steve Redgrave has done an awful lot for British Olympic rowing, but for Alan Campbell his most important contribution came at the end of his own medal-winning performance.

Campbell, who lives in Richmond-upon-Thames, was left exhausted and overcome with emotion after claiming bronze in the single sculls at Eton Dorney yesterday.

So much so that he had to be helped onto the podium by five-time gold medallist Redgrave just to collect his medal.

Campbell, in his third Games, admits he has a lot to thank the watching British public for as a late surge saw the 29-year-old onto the podium.

"They carried me over the last couple of strokes because I was dead on my feet at the very end," said the Northern Irishman.

"I nearly didn't make the podium, and had it not been for Sir Steve Redgrave getting me out of the boat and making me walk around, getting some water down my throat and trying to revive me back to life, I probably wouldn't have made it.

"I made a bit of an idiot of myself sobbing in front of everyone but I was overcome with emotion.

"It means so much to me, it has been a long journey and a huge amount of sacrifice."

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