Hermanus Brockmann facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Olympic medal record |
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|---|---|---|
| Men's rowing | ||
Representing a  Mixed team |
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| Gold | 1900 Paris | Coxed pair |
Representing the  Netherlands |
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| Silver | 1900 Paris | Coxed four |
| Bronze | 1900 Paris | Eight |
Hermanus Gerardus "Herman" Brockmann (born June 14, 1871, in Amsterdam; died January 18, 1936, in The Hague) was a Dutch athlete. He was a coxswain in rowing. He is famous for winning three medals at the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris. He won a gold, a silver, and a bronze medal.
Herman Brockmann: An Olympic Rower
Herman Brockmann was an important part of the Dutch rowing teams. These teams were known as Minerva Amsterdam. At the 1900 Paris Olympics, he helped his teams win several medals.
His Olympic Journey
Herman's team won the gold medal in the "coxed pairs" event. They also earned a silver medal in the "coxed fours" event. And they took home a bronze medal in the "eights" competition.
A coxswain is the person who steers the boat. They also help the rowers keep time and motivate them. Herman competed in the first part of the coxed pairs race. However, he was heavier than some other coxswains. His weight was 60 kilograms (about 132 pounds).
A Team Change
Because of his weight, the team decided to make a change. For the final race of the coxed pairs, a local boy who weighed only 33 kilograms (about 73 pounds) took his place. This lighter coxswain helped the team win the final race. They narrowly beat the French team.
Even though Herman did not race in the final, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) still considers him a gold medalist. He is listed in their official medal records. This shows his important role in the team's success.
