Women’s Single Sculls (W1x) – Final

This has been a great season for Olympic finalist Jeannine Gmelin of Switzerland with two World Cup wins this season. Gmelin also scored the fastest qualifying time from the semifinals this week and today she lined up against European Champion, Victoria Thornley of Great Britain. But at the start it was former European Champion, Magdalena Lobnig of Austria in the lead with Thornley slotting into second. The field was tight though with Carling Zeeman of Canada at the back. Everyone knew Zeeman’s sprinting ability though and no position was safe.

Gmelin moved into the middle of the race in the lead with Thornley and Lobnig following closely. Thornley medalled in the women’s double at the Rio Olympics while Lobnig raced in the Rio women’s single final. In the third 500 Gmelin pushed through to nearly a boat length lead over Thornley with Lobnig moving up on Thornley. Gmelin and Thornley were at 36 and so was Lobnig. Gmelin had won and become World Champion for the first time.

Results: SUI, GBR, AUT, IRL, NED, CAN

Jeannine Gmelin, Switzerland, gold
“Very difficult race today. The conditions really affected you out there. But it was fantastic to win here, it’s only just sinking in.”

Victoria Thornley, Great Britain, silver
“The season has been better than I could have dreamed of. I was so happy that I could get a result here in Sarasota because my whole family is here to watch.”

Magdalena Lobnig, Austria, bronze
“It was hard to see where I was in that last bit. I saw Sanita coming from behind me so I was very glad I could hold her off at the end.”

B-final

Former World Champion in the women’s four, Felice Mueller of the United States was the favourite for this race and she came out at the start in second behind Olympic Champion from the quad, Annekatrin Thiele of Germany. Mueller then pushed into the lead with Thiele and 2012 Olympic medallist, Fie Udby Erichsen of Denmark very much on the leader’s pace. Mueller raced to fourth in the women’s pair at the Rio Olympics and she still had the lead coming into the last 500m. Rating 32 Mueller remained in the lead with New Zealand at 37 and charging down the outside. Erichsen had to pick up her rating and crossed the line with Hannah Osborne of New Zealand.

Results: USA, NZL, DEN, GER, ESP, CZE