Rio Olympics 2016: Team GB’s Helen Glover and Heather Stanning retain gold medal in women’s coxless pairs

HEATHER STANNING and Helen Glover sensationally retained their Olympic women's pairs title.

The Team GB duo made a sensational start, dominating after 500metres and improving on their lead as the United States did their best to hit back.

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As Denmark moved up into the silver medal position, Stanning and Glover looked supreme and were soon a full 30m to the good.

Sir Steve Redgrave hailed their "imperious display" as they dominated from the very first stroke to the last.

They arrived in Rio 2016 on  an unbeaten run  that stretched back to 2011 and 36 races..and their gold medal never looked in doubt.

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Ultimately, Demark and New Zealand fought it out for silver medal and that brought Team GB back into the field.

But they still crossed the finishing line half a length ahead of the Kiwis for another golden triumph  after an almost perfect race.

Effectively GB closed the door at 500m, allowing them the breathing space to leave the rest behind.