Drysdale was officially selected as New Zealand 's Olympic heavyweight sculler for the Beijing Olympics on 7 March 2008 . He was also chosen to carry the flag for New Zealand during the parade of nations in the opening ceremony . Unfortunately for Drysdale , a severe gastrointestinal infection in the week before his final saw him off form and he was only able to win the bronze medal in the men 's single scull . The gold and silver medals went to Olaf Tufte from Norway and Ondřej Synek from the Czech Republic , respectively . Clearly suffering from his illness , after his race Drysdale was carried by life raft and then moved to a waiting ambulance . He was also seen vomiting . He was , however , able to stand to be awarded his medal
opening ceremony
2008 Summer Olympics opening ceremony
Mahé Drysdale