ATHENS, Aug. 21 (Xinhuanet) -- Norwegian Olaf Turte, two-time world champion and silver medalist in Sydney, bagged his first ever Olympic gold medal in men's single sculls here on Saturday.

    Tufte, 28 and finishing in 6:49.30, went through the duel with 39-year-old Jueri Jaanson of Estonia, sixth ranked in Sydney and number one in 2004 Poznan World Cup. The bronze went to Bulgarian Ivo Yanakiev, 29, fifth finisher in Sydney.

    Though only ranking fourth at the 500m mark, Tufte came from behind and won a stand-up race.

    "My dream came true. My start wasn't very good and I felt the pressure from my opponents, but I was waiting four years for this race. I didn't want to wait any more and I gave it all. With the medal I will forget the hard work I have done."

    It's the fifth Olympic Games for silver medalist Jaanson, who enjoyed the moment but felt tired now.

    It took 10 years for bronze holder Yanakiev to get this medal, "I didn't start well but I was good at the end of the race. I'm very satisfied. Now, I'm thinking about Beijing." Enditem