Lightweight women’s single sculls – A-final

The first A-final of the weekend saw Canada jump off the starting blocks. Ellen Gleadow from Canada is new to the international rowing scene and she is making her mark. Ladina Meier of Germany was pressing right on her heels. The two scullers pushed away from the pack and settled into the middle section of their race.

But where is Alena Furman from Belarus? She had an excellent series of racing coming into this A-final, but is sitting back in 5^th place through the 500m mark. Then, Furman turned on the heat and went into next gear. Coming into the third 500m, Furman was rating up at 34 strokes per minute eased away at Gleadow’s lead.

Gleadow was not able to respond and Furman crossed the line in the gold medal position. Meanwhile, Gleadow and Meier were able to hold their positions to take silver and bronze respectively.

Results: BLR, CAN, GER, GBR, RUS, CHN

Alena Furman, Belarus, gold
“I’m really really pleased with the race. This was the biggest race so far of my career so I’m very satisfied for today.”

Ellen Gleadow, Canada, silver
“I wasn’t sure what to expect, it was a good race and I’m happy with where it put me in the field. I enjoy the challenge of the single but I’m looking forward to getting back into a crew boat.”

Ladina Meier, Germany, bronze
“The race was really good, I got into a tunnel and stayed there.”