Para women's single sculls (ASW1x) - Final

The long flowing stroke of Moran Samuel of Israel took her to the lead in the first A-final of these World Rowing Championships. Samuel took silver last year, but this year showed her pace by winning at World Rowing Cup II in Varese. World Champion, Birgit Skarstein of Norway followed in second with Rachel Morris of Great Britain very much within a challenging position. But, as margins were so close, this race was going to be decided in the second half of the race.

Baring down heavily on Samuel and giving it her all was Morris who had overtaken Skarstein. Meanwhile Skarstein was under threat from Brazil’s Claudia Santos. As Samuel gave it her all to reach the finish first, Morris grabbed the silver and then all eyes were on Skarstein and Santos. It looked like the two crews were completely locked together. Skarstein had done it on the last stroke and gained the bronze medal. Samuel had finished in a time just five seconds outside of the World Best Time.

Results: ISR, GBR, NOR, BRA, BLR, ITA

Moran Samuel – ISR – gold
 “It’s amazing to be World Champion, the conditions were not the best with a bind of wind and waves. All the work paid off. I thank France for the great hospitality.”

Rachel Morris – GBR – silver
During the race I thought, oh my god, it hurts, but I am not going to give in. It is fantastic, the other girls are just world class.

Birgit Skarstein – NOR – bronze  
“I don’t remember that much of the race. In the end I knew the Brazilian was not far, so I had to give my very best.”

B-final

Places seven through to 12 overall had an extra significance. Place number seven and eight (first and second in the B-final) would earn a 2016 Paralympic qualification spot. Doing it the best at the beginning was Sandra Khumalo of South Africa. Khumalo was sixth overall at last year’s World Rowing Championships and Khumalo had a couple of boat lengths lead by the middle of the race. Behind her the United States and Korea had a real battle going on for the coveted eighth spot. In the final stretch Jacqueline Kapinowski of the United States wound it up to get away from Korea and go after Khumalo.

Results: RSA, USA, KOR, GER, RUS, HUN