Lightweight Men’s Four (BLM4-) – Final

In the preliminary race earlier this week France and the United States had battled it out for first with France finishing just ahead. But today was the race for medals and there was no telling what crews had kept as a surprise. It looked like Italy may have kept something hidden as they shot out at a cracking pace in typical Italian style. Indonesia followed closely and got to the first 500m mark in the lead. France, meanwhile, was at the back of the field. Italy then took over in the lead and their fast boat speed helped move them away from the field. This crew of Di Seyssel, Italiano, Galoforo and Ficarra for Italy looked to be racing a very well timed race.

At 42, Italy crossed the line in first, the United States came through for second and what an amazing race for Indonesia. The crew of Ferdiansyah, Buton, Maulidzar Al Ghifari and Isadi had won bronze for their country. A first for Indonesia.

Results: ITA, USA, INA, FRA, GER

Sebastiano Galoforo, Italy, gold
“We raced how we expected. We had a good start as usual, a great middle and we managed to get away from the others by pushing toward the end of the race.”

Kyle James, United States, silver
“During the exhibition race we were down on some of the others in the field. Today we were fourth until 1000m where we were battling it out with Germany. At the halfway mark we made our usual commitment. Going into the last 600m, we brought it up every 200m and just took control to grab second.”

Ardi Isadi (s), Indonesia, bronze
“The race went really well. We followed our plan exactly until the 1000m where we realised that Italy was very far ahead and that we were battling it out for another medal and we just had to hold off the others to keep it.”