Team GB have had a successful run in the rowing regatta at the Paris Olympics 2024 so far, with the men’s and women’s eight becoming the latest medal winners.

The women’s team won bronze, with the men’s team winning gold just moments later at Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium.

But did you notice someone sat at the end of the boats during the races facing the Great Britain rowers? They are known as a cox.

You may be wondering what they do, how important they are and if they also receive medals in competitions – let’s find out.

Coxswains are the “brains of the boat”, according to Eugene Rowing Club.

It adds: “They steer, they motivate, they execute strategy during races, and they coach during practices.

“Most of the time, when a coxswain does a good job, practices and races are seamless and a coxswain’s work goes unnoticed.”

British Rowing also explains: “Coxes are responsible for the crew on the water, keeping a good lookout, steering the boat, issuing commands to the crew and motivating them.”

They receive medals just like their teammates.

Great Britain's Olympic Legacy

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Where does the cox sit in a rowing boat?

“Eights and octuple sculls are always coxed, and the cox in these boats sits in the stern, facing the stroke rower,” reports British Rowing.

“Coxed fours can have the coxing position either in the stern - as in an eight - or under the bow canvas or deck. These boats are known as 'front loaders'.”