Lightweight women’s single sculls (LW1x) – Final

The under-23 World Champion from the lightweight double, New Zealand’s Zoe McBride must have been a favourite coming into this final. She won the 2015 World Cup season and also recorded a World Best Time in this boat class. It was McBride that had the fastest start with Kathleen Bertko of the United States following closely.

Getting into a very fast 36 stroke rate pace McBride held the lead over Bertko on 35. Bertko took bronze last year but has not raced this season internationally. Meanwhile 2011 World Champion Fabiana Beltrame of Brazil followed in third with Imogen Walsh of Great Britain very much on the pace. Just before the 1500m mark Walsh went for a push that got her into bronze medal spot and then saw her close on Bertko.

Walsh, now at 37, overtook Bertko. Bertko fought back. McBride saw the challenge coming and kept her strokes long  and powerful to try and maintain the lead. Walsh was at 38, Bertko at 39. McBride won and recorded a time just six seconds outside of the World Best Time.

Results: NZL, GBR, USA, BRA, ITA, GER

Zoe Mcbride – NZL – gold
“I am literally on the top of the world. It’s great to finish this amazing season this way. I had to stay calm during the race to win it. I have three weeks break now.”

Imogen Walsh – GBR – silver
“You always want to win, but it’s still good. I want to get back in the double, but it will be tough as the level is very high. I have three weeks break now and I go to Kazakhstan and I will come back fresh.”

Kathleen Bertko – USA – bronze
“I was focused on my race, I wanted to be brave. I knew how fast these girls are, it’s nice to medal.”

B-final

Mexico’s Kenia Lechuiga Alanis has had a great week of racing and all eyes would be on how she would do today in this tough b-final. Lechuga came out in third position in a race that would see the lead change many times. It was initially the Netherlands in the lead. Then Austria got her boat in front, but not for long. Georgia Nesbitt of Australia got into front. But the best final sprint went to Sonata Petrikaite of Lithuania.

Results: LTU, AUS, CAN, NED, AUT, MEX