Now he is hoping another golden moment can lead to a similar celebration with Kylian Mbappe.
Clarke was just 23 when he burst on to the scene by winning canoe slalom gold for what was his first international title of any kind. It sparked 11 days of celebrations in Brazil, capped off by an unlikely run-in with the former footballer at a rooftop bar.
“I was having a few drinks and there were a few famous people around, including Ronaldo,” he recalled. “I had my medal with me and showed him. He was like, ‘Is that an Olympic gold medal?’ He was about to leave, asked me what I was doing next, and invited me back to his place. The lift doors were just opening, I didn’t have time to think, so just said, ‘yes’ — and next thing I’m being driven back to his house by his chauffeur.”
Denne historien er fra July 29, 2024-utgaven av Evening Standard.
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Denne historien er fra July 29, 2024-utgaven av Evening Standard.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Vamos Rafa! It's time to go for Spain's brave warrior
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