Women’s Single Sculls (W1x) – Finals

A-Final

The fastest time in yesterday’s semifinals was Emma Twigg of New Zealand, but Switzerland’s Jeannine Gmelin was the fastest from Friday’s time trials. Twigg had the favoured lane with 2017 World Champion, Gmelin in the next lane over. Twigg, who has returned after a post-Olympic break, was the fastest at the start with Gmelin trying to hold the pace. The winner today would win 3000 Euros as this race is part of the Dutch Holland Beker regatta. Twigg must have been thinking of that as she continued to lead the way.

Twigg and Gmelin then moved away from the field with Victoria Thornley of Great Britain moving into third but had a lot to make up to change the colour of her medal. Thornley has worked her way back from suffering from overtraining and she is doing very well. Gmelin was at 32 with Twigg still in the lead and at 30. Twigg came into the final sprint with a handy lead of clear water. Gmelin would have to do something very special to get the gold. Twigg had other ideas and she crossed the line easily in first. But now the crowd was going wild. Thornley was under pressure from Lisa Scheenaard of the Netherlands 1. In a photo finish Scheenaard had taken bronze. She was the happiest at the finish with a medal by just 0.06 of a second.

Results: NZL, SUI1, NED, GBR, GER1, CZE

Emma Twigg, New Zealand, Gold,
“I’m really happy with the result! Still learning a lot, in particular, rowing in these conditions. I just tried to row my best today and the rest will take care of itself. Still, a lot to improve on but it’s nice to come away with a win. I love racing Sanita so looking forward to the World Rowing Championships. I feel that there could be 6 women who all could win.”

 Jeannine Gmelin, Switzerland, Silver,
“I expected it to be really tough and bumpy out there but it was not as bad as I expected. I simply had to focus on my boat and my plan and so I was able to find a good rhythm. It’s great to have Emma back competing as she’s always been a role model of mine. It’s great to race her!

Re-watch the race here!

B-final

Namibia’s Maike Diekmann had a very quick start as Emma Lunatti of France 2 had a bad stroke and a wobbly start. Diekmann continued to lead through the middle of the race with Switzerland 2 Pascale Walker hot on her heels. A better sprint by Walker gave her the win by a handy margin with France 1 of Marie Jacquet just pipping Diekmann at the line.

Results: SUI2, FRA1, NAM, GER2, SWE, FRA2