French national indoor rowing record faster than world record

On 18 February, in the presence of athletes and coaches from the French rowing federation, Balmary officially set the new French indoor rowing record at 6:24.4, four seconds faster than her own world record.

"It is a world best performance, but not a world record, as it was not set during an official event," says Concept2 representative Thierry Louvet.

Specific criteria need to be met to establish a world indoor rowing record. New rules recently set by Concept 2, the maker of the famous ergometer, require athletes to be at a Concept2 sanctioned indoor rowing event with witnesses present for a 2,000-metre record to be official.

But, thanks to more lenient regulations in her country, Balmary's new time is recognised by Concept2 France as a national record, making her the new national record holder for heavyweight women in the 19 to 29 age group.

"Since Sophie's previous best performance last December, Concept2 France has made the decision to trust and recognise the results recorded by the national federation," explains Thierry Bernot, director of Concept2 France.

"I hope Sophie will be able to attend the Paris Concept2 Open on 9 December 2007 to officialise her record," says Louvet.

French elite rower Arnaud Pornin also set a national indoor rowing record for lightweight men in the 19 to 29 age group, setting it at 6:7.4.

For a complete list of indoor rowing records at French and world level, click here.