Women’s Double Sculls (BW2x) – Final

Italy recorded the fastest qualifying time in yesterday’s semifinals, but it was Greece the first to show in today’s final. Then Belarus, winner of the second semifinal, did a push that brought them up to the Italians. Tatsiana Klimovich and Krystina Staraselets of Belarus finished second in this boat class last year and they were now equal with Anneta Kyridou and Dimitra-Sofia Tsamopoulou of Greece. Italy’s Walentina Iseppi and Stefania Gobbi was also right there with the leaders.

Three boats were on top of each other coming into the final sprint. At this stage there was no way of knowing the medal order. The Italian crowd was encouraging their athletes home. Greece had a slight lead, Belarus was right with them. Now the United States at 37 gave it their all. Belarus, at 36 had a very small edge. It was so, so tight. The judges had to call it. Belarus had won by 0.15 of a second over Italy.

Results: BLR, ITA, GRE, USA, HUN, NZL

Tatsiana Klimovich (b), Krystina Staraselets (s), Belarus, gold
“The race felt really strong, but it was very difficult. We didn’t realise how hard it was going to be to win. It was a struggle every minute. We’re now headed to the Belarussian championships and the European under 23s.”

Stefania Gobbi (s), Italy, silver
“It was a wonderful race. During the middle we attacked, but we couldn’t get clear. Everyone increased their speed toward the end. We concentrated in our boat, but we didn’t know our position until the TV. We’re so happy!”

Anneta Kyridou (b), Greece, bronze
“The race was difficult, we were the youngest in the field. We were first at the beginning and I think it was our best race so far. We’ve only been in this crew for a week.”

B-final

Germany had the most impressive pedigree of these boat, but after a full week of racing, including a repechage, they found themselves in this b-final. Laura Kampamann and Melanie Goeldner of Germany took the lead at the start with Austria the nearest challengers. Croatia, who had only just missed out on making the a-final now began to show their stamina as they moved up in the second half of the race. But Germany kept the pace on and easily got to the line in first. Russia and Croatia crossed together with Russia getting there just a fraction ahead.

Results: GER, RUS, CRO, JPN, NOR, AUT