Great Britain triumphed in the final double-points medal race to claim gold, overtaking the favourite Kiwis who had a narrow lead going into the finale.
The Kiwi pair went into the final double-points 49ers race with a narrow lead but Germany spoiled their party, claiming second and shutting the Kiwis out of the top podium position. The result gave Germany the bronze medal.
Burling and Tuke were left holding silver, the same medal they won in London nine years ago, having won gold in Rio.
Burling and Tuke, described as the rock stars of the sailing world, were left disappointed in a year in which they had defended the America’s Cup in Auckland. They had been hot favourites to win gold.
It was a race within a race for Burling and Tuke, having to make sure that they were right behind Great Britain, that no other boat got between them.
Germany became the key player, mixing it with the Brits and Kiwis at the head of the fleet. The other main gold medal contender, Spain, was always just behind.
The Kiwis had led a move to the right, while Great Britain headed left after a tumultuous start in which Croatia and the Netherlands had to re-start, and Portugal was disqualified after continuing to race, and having been found over the start line.
It was the Brits who led after the first leg, but Burling and Tuke were within striking distance.
