Women’s Pair (BW2-) – Final

A–Final

Australia proved to be the fastest in the heats, but then the United States came through to record the best time from yesterday’s semifinals when they beat the reigning under-23 champions, Melita and Antonia Abraham of Chile. In the US boat, Regina Salmons is a 2016 under-23 champion from the women’s eight. Giorgia Patten and Bronwyn Cox of Australia had the best pace at the start. They raced earlier this month at World Rowing Cup III and made the a-final. At the 500m mark Australia had a slight lead, but there was nothing in it with just two seconds separating the top five boats.

Through the middle of the race it was so, so close and the lead remained open. There was now four boats within two seconds of each other with Salmons and partner Alina Hagstrom pushing out in front. Australia looked to be slipping as Great Britain’s Long and Scott moved into second. Salmons and Hagstrom were in a very good position as the sprint came into view. Chile sat in fourth and would have to sprint for their lives to defend their 2017 title. And they did. The Abraham sisters went to 37 and overtook Australia, closing on the British. The US held their spot and so did the British.

Results: USA, GBR, CHI, GRE, AUS, BLR

Alina Hagstrom (s), United States of America, gold
“The start was a little rocky but I think we had a lot of adrenaline and were able to settle into it. We were able to make our mark on the race and made it ours. We made our move in the second 500m and just kept the lead from there.”

Hannah Scott (s), Great Britain, silver
“This feels unbelievable as we’ve worked really hard for this! It’s such a tough event and I think anyone could have got on the podium. We never actually met before June so I’m extremely pleased.”

Melita Abraham (b), Chile, bronze
“The race was very difficult as it’s getting pretty windy out there, which as a lightweight makes it even harder for me. We ran into some technique issues that we’ve been working on. So now we’re working on the double to race in Plovdiv.”

B-final

Italy and Romania were in the middle lanes as they just missed out on making the a-final through yesterday’s semifinals. This very competitive boat class had Italy leading at the start with New Zealand and Romania hot on their heels. Then the Italians managed to push away with Canada now moving up to challenge. As Italy marched off in the lead, Canada, Croatia and Romania fought for the second place. Italy had to sprint with the charge from behind moving up on them.

Results: ITA, ROU, CRO, CAN, NZL, IRL