Men’s Quadruple Sculls (BM4x) – Final

Russia and New Zealand met for the first time today. Russia had recorded the fastest qualifying time in the heats and then New Zealand’s time in the semifinals was the fastest. Today these crews would do it all again, but this time for medals. All six boats got away cleanly with Poland’s pace being the fastest. Poland finished fourth last year and still has two members of that crew on board. Poland led the field through the first 500m marker with Italy the closest challenger for the lead. Then Italy did a piece that got their bow ball ahead of Poland with Russia moving up. Italy held 40 stroke per minute to take the lead.

At the middle of the race just over a second separated the top four boats with Russia and New Zealand in that mix. Then New Zealand went to 40 and drew alongside Russia and Italy. Russia responded and in the process took the lead. New Zealand was now neck-and-neck with the Russians. If supporters was anything to go by, New Zealand would win. The Kiwis went to 43 with Russia going to 42 as Italy hit 45. It was oh so close. A photo finish between Russia and New Zealand.  The wait began. New Zealand’s Parry, MacLean, Lopas and O’Leary had done it by 0.22 of a second.

Results: NZL, RUS, ITA, GBR, HUN, POL

Jack O’Leary (s), New Zealand, gold
“That race was the toughest I’ve ever done. We managed to start well and push through. After coming second in Rotterdam, this victory is really, really sweet. It’s been a long time coming.”

Andrey Potapkin (b), Russia, silver
“Our plan was to win. The results is so-so, but we are happy with it. We hope we will be in Sarasota.”

Emanuele Fiume (s), Italy, bronze
“We were very pleased with the race, we were leading for the first three quarters thinking that we would do our best in the last 500m. But we faded out. This was the disappointing part of the race.”

B-final

Ukraine and France recorded almost identical times in yesterday’s semifinals and both crews only just missed out on making the a-final. But at the start it was Germany who had the lead. This didn’t last long as France pulled out in front. The lead changed again as Canada did a big push in the third 500 and got out ahead of France. Coming through the final sprint Canada and France were neck-and-neck. The higher rating Canada (38) finished ahead of France (rating 34).

Results: CAN, FRA, BLR, GER, AUT, UKR