Women’s Pair (W2-) – Final

A–Final

The World Champions New Zealand won early this season at the World Rowing Cups, but they were beaten in the semifinals by Canada. They sat next to each other and New Zealand’s Grace Prendergast and Kerri Gowler went off into the lead right from the first stroke. New Zealand got to the first 500m mark just a fraction ahead of Canada’s Caileigh Filmer and Hillary Janssens. The Canadians then got their nose in front with these two boats already way out ahead of the rest of the field. Behind them Italy, China and Spain were neck-and-neck in the fight for bronze.

The Italian crew of Alessandra Patelli and Sara Bertolasi had managed to push away from China and Spain going into the middle of the race. Meanwhile the real fight was going on at the head of the field. Canada remained with a slight lead but New Zealand was not giving up. There is no doubt the sprint to the line would be a ripper. Canada had now gone to 36 and were successfully holding off New Zealand at 39. Canada had become the new World Champions and in a time just over a second outside of a World Best Time. Down the outside Spain had put on the overburners. Anna Boada Peiro and Aina Cid had overtaken Italy and crossed the line in bronze rating 40.

Results: CAN, NZL, ESP, ITA, CHN, IRL

Hillary Janssens (s), Canada, gold
“It was a really good race. We knew that New Zealand would be with us in the first 500 meters so we just stuck to our plan. We are still very young so this winter we will work on our technique and our fitness to keep getting better.

Grace Prendergast (b), New Zealand, silver
“We put everything out there. We tried to improve the first 500 meters in the race. We knew that Canada were going to be very tough but are very satisfied with the outcome. We’re a little disappointed with not winning but we know we gave it our best.”

Anna Boada Peiro (b), Spain, bronze
“I was really emotional before the start so I wasn’t sure how that would go but our race went really well and controlled. At the end we just pushed for it with our eyes closed and made it.”

Re-watch the race here

B-final

It is not often that you see the United States in a b-final of the women’s pair, such has been the standard at this regatta. They came out at the back of the pack with Great Britain and Australia setting the standard at the head of the field. Victoria Opitz and Gia Doonan of the United States then really started to move and got up with Australia and went after the British. Opitz and Doonan are also rowing in the eight later at this regatta. At the line Great Britain’s McKellar and Taylor had held off any challenges.

Results: GBR, AUS, USA, UKR, RUS, HUN