Para PR2 Men’s Single Sculls (PR2 M1x) – Finals

A–Final

All eyes were on Corne de Koning of the Netherlands. He set a new World Best Time earlier in this regatta and did it in style. This is the first time that this boat class has raced at the World Rowing Championships. At the start de Koning went into the lead with Canada’s Jeremy Hall chasing hard. These PR2 athletes can use their arms, shoulders and swing their bodies but they do not have use of their legs which are strapped down in the boat. Going through the middle of the race de Koning was able to build up a handy lead as Hall tried his best to hold off the very experienced Daniele Stefanoni of Italy. Hall then did a push and managed to shake off Stefanoni who had to keep an eye on Great Britain. The order stayed the same at the line. De Koning’s time was just 0.45 seconds outside of the World Best Time.

Results: NED, CAN, ITA, GBR, BRA, POL

Corne De Koning, Netherlands, gold
“I had a good race but I found it difficult to get into a solid rhythm. I was quite nervous before the start because racing with expectations this high is more diffiuclt than racing without expectations.”

Jeremy Hall, Canada, silver
“I’m a little tired but it was definitely worth it! I had a lot of confidence coming into this regatta. Today I really just focused on my race. With 750 meters to go, I saw I was in contention so I emptied the tank.”

Daniele Stefanoni, Italy, bronze
“I gave everything that I had, it was a great race. Next year I will race in the same boat unless I find a female partner to row the double with.”

Re-watch the race here

B-final

Jorge Pineda Matabuena of Spain was making the best of this b-final. This is Pineda’s first ever international race as a para-rower and he came to this b-final after a third-place finish in the repechage. Then Marcus Klemp of Germany came up to challenge Spain and with long flowing strokes Klemp took his boat to a very handy win.

Results: GER, ESP, RUS, JPN, LAT