Qualified boats for Youth Olympics

A total of 29 rowing nations have earned spots at the Youth Olympics with 14 of these countries qualifying in both the men’s and women’s event. The spots were earned from racing results at the World Rowing Junior Championships which finished last Saturday in Brive-la-Gaillarde, France. The qualification system takes a number of factors into consideration and the final rankings at Brive gives the initial round of qualifiers.

These qualified countries have until 11 September 2009 to confirm their acceptance of these allocated places. If any country decides not to use their allocated spot(s) the position will be reallocated using the next step of the qualification system.

Three countries, Germany, Romania and the United States have qualified for the Youth Olympics in both the men’s single and men’s pair. They will have to select just one of these events for their country. After their decision, three places in the men’s events will become available and will be reallocated.

The Youth Olympic Games is to be held in Singapore next August. It is an initiative of the International Olympic Committee. In Brive, FISA president Denis Oswald said an important reason behind the establishment of the YOG was the understood diminishing interest in the Olympic Games in the 15 to 30 year old age group. Oswald said there was a need to motivate young athletes. He described it as being very different from the Olympic Games. There will be a large emphasis on cultural and educational activities.

Rowing will compete on a 1000m course at Singapore’s Marina Reservoir. This is Singapore’s largest body of water and is not far from the centre of town. Venue manager Calvin Palyama said the venue planning is completed and a regatta was held in July to test the venue.

The rowing competition will include four events, the men’s and women’s single and the men’s and women’s pair and all of the boats will be supplied by the Singapore organisers. Palyama says that tenders have gone out to boat builders and oar/scull suppliers and a decision is soon to be made on the supplier.

To follow is a representation of the 29 qualified countries with Germany, Romania and the United States highlighted for where a choice needs to be made. There is also a list of the next countries in line to be allocated positions following the decisions are confirmations of National Olympic Committees on 11 September.

Performance qualification document here .

Overall qualification chart here.