Six African rowers qualify for the Olympic Games

13 rowers from eight countries competed at the African Olympic Qualification Regatta held in Tunis from 23 to 24 April. Six Olympic places were up for grabs and Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria and Kenya qualified for Athens.

Two-time Olympian Ibrahim Aly of Egypt made the competition tough for his competitors. ?He has been following a different training program in the USA, and his technique seems to be sharper than in past regattas,? says Michel Doutre, FISA Development Consultant for French-speaking Africa.

Ibrahim Githaiga met expectations by becoming the first Kenyan rower ever to qualify for the Olympic Games. Egypt sent its first female rower to an international competition, thus qualifying Doaa Moussa, who finished 16 seconds behind Ibtissem Trimech of Tunisia.
 
Other rowers who have qualified include Mohamed M’Henni of Tunisia and Mohamed Aaich of Algeria.

On the advice of the local weather office, located near the regatta course, the finals were held on Saturday 24 instead of Sunday 25 April.

Rowers and coaches alike were very pleased with the excellent organization provided by the Tunisian Rowing and Canoeing Federation. Held in the modern and natural surroundings of Lac Nord, the regatta was supported by the Lac Nord Development Club Association.