Women’s Eight (W8+) – Finals

A-Final

The United States are the reigning World Champions and they recorded the fastest qualifying time in Friday’s heats. This gave them a day off, along with Australia, winner of the other heat. All other boats raced in a repechage yesterday with New Zealand finishing first. It was very even at the start with all boats getting away well. Australia had slightly the faster pace in the first 200m and they held 39 strokes per minute through the first 500m mark. The Australians got to the 500m marker in the lead with Great Britain in second and the United States in third. But the Australian speed was moving them to a full boat length lead. What would the Americans do?

The Australian crew included Jessica Morrison and Annabelle McIntyre who had taken silver earlier today in the women’s pair. They still had the lead at the half way point with the United States overtaking Great Britain and moving into second. Australia went to 39 with the US at 35 then 37. Great Britain was trying to hold on to third over New Zealand. Great Britain was at 40 with New Zealand at 39.

Australia had won. They had knocked the Americans off the top spot.

Results: AUS, USA, GBR, NZL, CHN, CAN

Georgina Rowe, Australia, gold
“I enjoyed that race a lot but we really had to dig in when the USA was coming at us. We stayed tight together. We’ll be training in Varese and then go to Rotterdam.”

Katelin Guregian (c), the United States of America, silver
“The race went really well and we had a great fight. I think our boat showed a lot of character. The conditions were what we expected but it was still really crazy and swirly water out there. Next, we’ll be going back to Princeton to train towards World Rowing Championships.”

Karen Bennett, Great Britain, bronze
“I’m absolutely knackered, we pushed every single stroke. We still have a few countries that we still need to try and beat. This is a really good step in the right direction so we can qualify our boat for the Olympics which is the priority.”

B-final

A two-way boat race had Germany lead comfortably from start to finish over the Netherlands. The Dutch did not have the pace to challenge for the lead.

Results: GER, NED

Re-watch the race here