A sculpture commemorating one of Britain’s most decorated sportsmen was finally unveiled in his home village nearly 15 years after he won his final gold medal.

Marlow Bottom Residents’ Association have fought licensing battles with Olympic bosses and issues with the council to install the tribute to Sir Steve Redgrave by the roadside at the entrance to the village.

A crowd of wellwishers gathered for the unveiling of the steel sculpture on Sunday, with Sir Steve doing the honours on the long awaited design.

Peter Borrows, of the Residents’ Association, said: “Fourteen and a half years after Steve Redgrave won his fifth Olympic gold medal, on Sunday morning he unveiled a commemorative sculpture at the entrance to Marlow Bottom.

“The project was dogged by a succession of difficulties but, as Sir Steve observed, determination and perseverance finally paid off.”

The carving is in 12 mm steel and incorporates a representation of a rower in three basic positions during a full rowing stroke, against a background of five cut-out gold rings.

The five-time Oympic champion's gold medals were also on show on the day.

Sir Steve said the long wait for the unveiling made the appreciation from his neighbours even more special.

And as the rain abated just as the ceremony began, he joked it was appropriate for someone whose achievements were so closely connected with water.

Delays in installing the tribute include a long-running row with the British Olympic Association over the use of Olympic symbols.

And the project hit another snag last month when the council refused to let villagers dig a hole themselves to install it by the roadside.

Sir Steve - who was Great Britain's most decorated Olympian until he was usurped by Sir Chris Hoy - grew up in Marlow Bottom and attended Great Marlow School.

The former rower - who celebrated his 52rd birthday last month - has already been immortalised in bronze, with a statue in Higginson Park overlooking the river and Marlow Rowing Club, where he serves as club president.