Para PR2 Women’s Single Sculls (PR2 W1x) – Final

A–Final

Just like the previous race, this was the first time for this race to be at a World Rowing Championships and it has brought some of the athletes out of the PR2 double and into the single. Some, like Annika van der Meer of the Netherlands is racing in both. At the start it was France’s Perle Bouge in the lead. Bouge has raced in the double for a number of years and is a Paralympian in this boat class. Bouge got out to a lead over van der Meer with Brazil’s Josiane Lima following in third. Despite Bouge’s greater experience, van der Meer was keeping up with Bouge and remained within striking distance of the leader. Meanwhile Poland’s Jolanta Majka had pulled ahead of Brazil who looked to be losing steam.

Bouge then managed to get a decent advantage over van der Meer with Majka coming into the final sprint firmly in the bronze medal spot. Rating 33 Bouge took gold with van der Meer at 31 taking silver and Majka at 28 winning bronze.

Results: FRA, NED, POL, UKR, BRA, USA

Perle Bouge, France, gold
“Very happy with this medal and victory. I’ve been waiting for this for a long time, particularly after being in the double and coming into the single. I’ll take some time now to enjoy the moment.”

Annika Van Der Meer, Netherlands, silver
“At the 700 meters I realised I was really close and that I had an overlap with Perle. I realised if I keep pushing like this, then in some race I will get her.”

Jolanta Majka, Poland, bronze
“It was a very good race and a very good athlete from Brazil so it was nice to fight with her. It was my first race in the single so happy to be on the podium.”

Re-watch the race here