Svensson Becomes the Last Olympic Qualifier for 2004

Off to Anthens
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As the women’s single final crossed the finish line, the chance to qualify for the 2004 Olympic Games came to an end. Three boats had the opportunity to go to Athens and, in a photo finish, the final qualifier for 2004 was Sweden’s Frida Svensson.

This concluded the series of elimination races that began last Sunday with 13 rowers and through heats, repechages and semi-finals came down to the final six today. Jen Devine from the United States came through as the favourite after recording the fastest times and today she led from the start with Femke Dekker of the Netherlands, Svensson and Great Britain’s Alex Beever.

At the half way point Beever was close behind Devine with Svensson in close tow. As the final sprint came into view there were still four boats very much in the action for three spots. But Dekker must have been saving herself. In an almighty sprint, Dekker pushed her boat closer and closer to the United States with Svensson and Beever still in the chase. A photo finish was needed to determine the final outcome. Devine finished first and is off to her second Olympics along with Dekker and Svensson.