ATHENS, Aug. 27 (Xinhuanet) -- German legend Birgit Fischer, who picked up her first Olympic gold at Moscow in 1980, won her eighth Olympic title in women's K4 500m in Athens Olympic regatta here on Friday.

    The 42-year-old Fischer, Maike Nollen, Katrin Wagner and Carolin Leonhardt combined for the gold. They raced to the end in 1:34.340, 0.196 seconds ahead of Hungary. Ukraine took a bronze medal in 1:36.192.

    On the result, Fischer said, "I am very happy. The eighth goldmedal has been extremely motivating. I still cannot believe I got it. Everybody has wished me good luck and sent me messages via mobile phone."

    "The competition we faced was very hard, but we had a happy ending." Fischer said. She especially praised their challenger Hungary, "They are tough to beat."

    The win also gave her teammate Wagner the third gold medal plusthe other two in K2 500m and K4 500m in Sydney.

    Fischer started winning Olympic gold since she was 18 years oldin K1 500m at Moscow.

    Ever since 1979 in Duisburg of Germany, Fischer came by her first gold in world championships, and continued with another 26 gold haul in world championships until 1998 Szeged of Hungary.

    The veteran will also compete in women's K2 500m final, which takes place on Saturday, August 28. Enditem