U23 Lightweight Women's Double (BLW2x) - Final

New Zealand are the reigning under-23 World Champions in this event, although Zoe McBride is racing this year with a new partner, Jackie Kiddle. McBride, not yet 20 years old, owns the senior World Best Time in the lightweight single sculls and earned a gold medal in that boat class at the World Rowing Cup in Lucerne.

Unsurprisingly, New Zealand charged out in front with China following in second and Switzerland in third. Last year this same Swiss combination finished fourth in this under-23 event. Would they step up this year?

Throughout the race, New Zealand remained untouchable in a class of their own. At the half-way mark, Switzerland had moved its way up past China and into second. China charged back and reclaimed second by the 1500m mark. Meanwhile Romania was upping their rate and making their move from fourth position. The battle for silver and bronze was on.

In the sprint to the line, Romania caught a crab, slowing them down and putting an end to their podium quest. New Zealand crossed the line in World Best Time fashion, clocking the new under-23 standard at 6:54.83. China take silver and Switzerland bronze.

Results: NZL, CHN, SUI, ITA, ROU, POL

Zoe Mcbride – NZL – gold 
“It was a brilliant race, we went out there and just wanted to dominate the field and execute the perfect race plan. We are so happy about the time we did.”

Nan Gao – CHN – silver 
“Everything is fine for us, it is a very important result.”

Frederique Rol – SUI – bronze
“It was impossible to do better, we are so happy. We have been training so long for this.”

B-Final

Australia were the leaders in the B-Final of the lightweight women’s double sculls, with Germany following in a steady second position. With 500m to go, Australia had more than a boat length’s lead over Germany and was rating 35 strokes per minute. At this stage, Canada had secured its third-place position ahead of Greece and Spain. Despite a comfortable lead, Australia kept their stroke rate high until the line to claim the final position of seventh overall.

Results: AUS, GER, CAN, GRE, ESP, BRA