Three-time reigning world champion Poland won comfortably the Olympic rowing gold medal in the men's quadruple sculls on Sunday.

The crew of Konrad Wasielewski, Marek Kolbowicz, Michal Jelinski and Adam Korol led all the way to win in 5 minutes, 41.33 seconds, 2.24 seconds ahead of silver medalists Italy. France took bronze in 5:44.34.

The Australian team, who set the world best time of 5:36.20 in the heat, finished in fourth place.

"We were really strong from the beginning to the end and nobody could beat us," Kolbowicz said excitedly. "At 300 meters, we could have done with more power but we kept it strong."

The second place confirmed Italy's come-back in the event. Italy won the men's quad gold in Sydney but failed to stand on the podium at Athens.

"It's like the renaissance. After Athens (2004) most people didn't believe in me anymore, but with this competition I hope to change their minds again. I hope that they will continue to believe in us," said Italian Raineri.

"It was a great race, I'm really happy - we've ended the last four years training in a great way. I want to say thanks to everybody that has supported us."

(Xinhua News Agency August 17,2008)