U23 Women's Pair (BW2-) - Final

The United States qualified for this A-Final with the fastest qualifying time, directly from their heat. Bow seat Jessica Eiffert was part of last year’s silver medallist crew, and this year is partnered up with Georgia Ratcliff.

As expected the Americans started out fast to take an early lead and were followed by Great Britain in second with France in close contact in third. The United States kept the pace going, to increase their lead over the rest of the field. By the half-way mark, clear water separated Eiffert and Ratcliff from their closest rivals, Great Britain. 

The United States decided leading was not enough and put on a show of dominance, continuing to widen their already enormous lead even further with every stroke. Fighting for silver and bronze were still Great Britain with France and Australia in third and fourth.

Then France began to lose speed, with Australia catching up to move into third position. The French were unable to keep up the pace.

At the line it was the United States in gold, seven seconds ahead of Great Britain in silver, and Australia taking the bronze.

Results: USA, GBR, AUS, FRA, NOR, GER

Jessica Eiffert (b) – USA – gold

“It feels good to be world champion. We wanted to set a fast time, but it  was not possible with these conditions. The most important was to have a good race and it was great.”

Holly Norton (s) – GBR – silver

“It’s wonderful to represent GBR and it is great to be on the podium. It was a tough but good race, it went by so quickly.”

Addy Dunkley-Smith (b) – AUS – bronze

“It’s such an honor to be on the podium and to represent our country. Thanks to our support crew here and at home in Australia.”

Women’s Pair (BW2-) – Final B

Ukraine had a rocket start in the B-Final of the women’s pair. Italy and Russia swapped between second and third, with the fourth boat in this race, Bulgaria, at the back of the field and unable to match the pace. In an impressive push, Italy inched their way ever closer to the Ukrainians, while Ukraine gradually began to pay for their fast start and lose stamina. With 250m to go, Italy caught a crab and stopped dead in their tracks, but the setback was insufficient to allow Ukraine to move back into first. Italy crossed the line in seventh overall.

Results: ITA, UKR, RUS, BUL