Cracknell's gold found in Chiswick bush

Olympic hero's medals sniffed out by dog

A dog is without doubt the best friend of local Olympic hero James Cracknell today after he reunited him with his stolen gold medals.

The canine's discovery, reminiscent of Pickles, the dog who found the old Jules Rimet World Cup trophy under a bush, was made whilst out for his evening walk. 

The medals had been left under a hedge close to Cracknell's Chiswick home and have now been returned to their rightful home by the dog's owner.

Cracknell's wife Beverly Turner told The Sun "We are absolutely thrilled to get the two gold medals back so quickly. It was heartbreaking to think they might have been lost for ever.”

James Cracknell, was said to be "gutted" after thieves broke into his home and stole two gold medals in March.

The burglars also made off with a laptop containing photographs of his rowing attempt across the Atlantic and and substantial portion of the book he is currently writing based on the grueling adventure he shared with Ben Fogle.

Cracknell, who was particularly saddened not only by the theft of his wedding ring but also by the fact that his young son was in the house at the time, offered a reward for the safe return of his belongings.

Police did arrest a suspect after he tried to sell one of Cracknell's stolen watches in a London pub. Officers later traced the man to a flat where they found some of the possessions, but not the laptop or medals. He was later charged with burglary.

April 6, 2006