Standards Rise in Adaptive Rowing Finals

The australian adaptive mixed coxed four LTA win gold

They came through time trials yesterday and today they raced to be FISA Champions. These rowers have a mixture of disabilities ranging from physically disabled to mentally and a programme of four events included rowers from 11 nations.

The mixed double fixed seat boat opened the proceedings. Scott Brown and Angela Madsen of the United States led for the full 1000 metre race, finishing with clear water ahead of Italy. Brown and Madsen are very experienced scullers, both having competed at last year’s World Championships, but in different events, and today they demonstrated their experience to become FISA Champions for 2003.

The second race featured the open coxed four for those with the use of legs trunk and arms (LTA). Five boats lined up with Great Britain moving to an early lead under the guidance of coxswain, Loretta Williams. Behind them Germany and Greece were tussling for second and nothing separated them at the half-way point. At the finish Great Britain retained the lead to become FISA Champions with Germany slipping into silver and Greece holding onto bronze.

The mixed coxed four for those with the use of legs, trunk and arms saw six boats line up each boat containing two male and two female rowers. As with the previous race the leader, Australia, was easily in front while the real battle went on for second and third. Portugal had second place as they moved through the half-way point but the Netherlands were right with them. A closing sprint by the Netherlands propelled them to second with Portugal holding on for third and Australia remaining at the head of the field and in the winning position.

The adaptive rowing races concluded with the single raced over 500 metres. These athletes were in fixed seats, using only their arms and bodies to propel the boat. With three athletes lining up the places were decided early on. Australia’s Peter Taylor raced at the World Championships last year to bronze and he stepped up a peg winning gold today. Behind him Great Britain’s Robert Holliday finished with silver and Dale Doornek of the United States won bronze.