
Santiago Lange won gold with Cecilia Carranza Saroli for Argentina in the Nacra 17 mixed class at the Rio Olympics.

But the backdrop to Lange's Rio Games was far from ordinary after being diagnosed with lung cancer 17 months beforehand.

He had surgery to remove 80% of his left lung but recovered in time to take his place on the start line in Rio.

In a dramatic regatta, he and Carranza Saroli were penalized and looked set to miss out on gold before winning it by a single point.

Lange was nominated for male Rolex World Sailor of the Year after the golden finale to his 2016 campaign.

And, at the annual ceremony in Barcelona, Lange's achievements were recognized with the prestigious award -- capping an emotional year for the Argentinian crew.

After the end of their last race in Rio, they had no idea where they had finished overall.

But informed of the result by journalists on a neighboring boat, the celebrations began in earnest.

Lange was congratulated by two of his sons, who swam out and jumped on board. The Lange boys competed for Argentina in the 49er skiff class, finishing seventh.

There could yet be further family celebrations at the Olympics, with Lange hoping to compete in his seventh Games at Tokyo 2020.

