Finalists for 2002 FISA Awards Announced

The finalists for the four 2002 FISA Awards have been reached after nominations from members of the FISA Council, Commissions and Staff, and voting by the FISA Council.

Coach of the Year Award:

• Mike Spracklen (GBR) – Coach of the 2002 gold medal winning Canadian men's eight
• Thor Nilsen (NOR) – Coach of Sam Lynch, 2002 LM1x world Champion
• Brian Richardson (AUS) – Head Canadian coach

Male Rower or Crew of the Year Award:

• Matthew Pinsent / James Cracknell (GBR) – M2- 2002 world champions
• Akos Haller / Tibor Petoe (HUN) – M2x 2002 world champions
• Sam Lynch (IRL) – LM1x 2002 world champion

Female Rower or Crew of the Year Award:

• Roumiana Neykova (BUL) – W1x 2002 world champion
• Georgeta Andrunache (Damian) / Viorica Susanu (ROM) W2- 2002 world champions
• Kristina Larsen, Jodi Winter, Rebecca Sattin, Victoria Roberts (AUS) – W4- 2002 world champions, W8+ 2002 silver medallists

FISA Distinguished Service to Rowing Award:

• Klaus Filter (GER) Former chairman of the FISA materials commission, master boatbuilder and driving force behind the FISA boat construction programme.
• Thor Nilsen (NOR) Former chairman of the FISA competitive commission, master coach, and driving force behind the FISA development programme.
• Roland Weill (FRA) Former vice-president of FISA and member of the council of the French rowing federation.

The final voting will be made by the FISA Executive Committee and specific commissions. The recipients will be announced at the 2002 World Rowing Forum to be held in Milan, Italy from November 14 to 16.