Women’s Four (W4-) – Final

Australia took gold last month at the World Rowing Cup and they must have been the favourites today after recording the fastest qualifying time in the heats two days ago. The first to show was Russia as they continue the trend of their country of very fast starts. Poland has medalled at all three regattas they have entered this season and were moving with the Russians. Poland then showed that the pace was too hot and dropped back as Australia’s Stephan, Werry, Hawe and Goodman moved into second behind Russia.

Coming through the third 500 Australia really picked up their pace and with every stroke they not only overtook Russia but started to move completely away. It looked like there was no stopping Australia now as they led the field into the last 200m of the race. Meanwhile Canada and the Netherlands where giving it their all to get a medal. At 38, Canada managed to catch the Russian’s who went to 41 to try and hold the silver medal spot. Australia had won  and Russia had just held on to second.

Results: AUS, RUS, CAN, NED, POL, GBR

Sarah Hawe, Australia, gold
“We didn’t have a great start, but we wound it up and managed to push through. We concentrated on the last 750m. Towards Sarasota we will work on the first 500m to improve our start.”

Ekaterina Potapova, Russia, silver
“It was a good race, we are a new team and it’s the first start together. We need a bit of time and we will get better. Compared to the eight, the biggest difference is that we have no cox, you need much more feeling to race in the four. We are a smaller team, but very good.”

Susanne Grainger, Canada, bronze
“It’s a good start for us as a boat. We are really excited. Compared to the eight, in the four you have more ownership of what you do and a lot more can happen in a race, it’s great fun.”