Para PR3 Mixed Coxed Four (PR3 Mix4+) – Final

A-Final 

Great Britain came into this race as favourites as they had the fastest time in the semifinals. They also set a new World Best Time earlier in the week and they were on fire. Their closest threat for the gold medal was likely to be the United States who sat one lane over from them. The gun had gone the crews had started and first to show was Great Britain. The British and Americans have raced each other many times with the US always taking second. Now the United States were third behind Russia. Great Britain’s Buttrick, Rakauskaite, Fox, Stanhope and Wysocki-Jones then pushed away to an open water lead with the United States now pushing into second. Australia then moved up on Russia, trying for the bronze medal spot.

The British had won and in beautiful form. The United States came through for second and Italy got the better of the battle with Australia to take the bronze.

Results: GBR, USA, ITA, AUS, RUS, ISR

Erin Wysocki-Jones (c), Great Britain, Gold
“I’m delighted! We executed our race plan really well, especially after this challenging year. Our priority this year was to qualify and we did that in the semi-final which was great. There is some pressure now to perform in Tokyo but it’s a big privilege.”

Karen Petrik (c), United States of America, Silver
“We are happy with the result, but we are still going for gold, so we’re going to keep training for that.”

Greta Muti (s), Italy, Bronze
“We wanted to get at least the third place here, and that was the goal. After last year and the mess up it’s nice to comeback like this. For me, this medal represents fighting back against everyone who doubts us, and thinks our disabilities means we can’t do this.”