Women’s Four (W4-) – Final

Just a week ago the International Olympic Committee announced that the women’s four would be raced at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. This must have created a buzz around the crews lined up today as they realise Olympic options have opened up for them. The home favourites, Poland, had a really fast start. They have already won two silver medals this season – one from World Rowing Cup I and one from the European Rowing Championships. But it was Australia that was the fastest in the test race two days ago and at the moment Australia was sitting in third behind United States One. The United States were second at last year’s World Rowing Championships, but they could not hold off a second 500 charge, rating 37, by Australia who had drawn level with Poland just after the half way point.

Poland responded to Australia’s intensity who were now in front. This race was going to be won in the final sprint. Now in front Australia lengthened out and moved away from Poland and in their finishing sprint the Australians – Werry, Stephan, Hawe and Goodman – went to 40 strokes per minute and won the race. Australia had set a new World Cup Best Time, clocking 6:22.

Results: AUS, USA1, POL, CHN, USA2, UKR

Lucy Stephan, Australia, gold
“Good race. We really stuck to our race plan. We had a good first thousand meters and in the last 500 metres I was just thinking to not muck it up. I am looking forward to going to the World Championships.”

Erin Reelick (b), United States, silver
“It was a good race, it is a great opportunity to race in another country, it’s awesome. Today we had a good start, we hope to improve in the next few months. We will try to be in Sarasota, we have to be sure we move the boat fast enough for that. But it would be awesome to be there in our country.”

Maria Wierzbowska (s), Poland, bronze
“It’s a real pleasure, it’s a new crew this year. Race after race we feel better. We hope we can also make a podium in the World Championships. It is awesome to race in our country, before going on the water, I said we need to do our best for our crowd.”