Reactions from the first finals at 2022 World Rowing Championships

The first finals of the 2022 World Rowing Championships got underway today at the Labe Arena in the Czech Republic. The International boat classes were fighting for medals and the opportunity to become World Champions. Here are some of the reactions from our first medalists in Racice.

The PR2 men’s single sculls was the first boat class to race for medals, and it was a race which saw Cornelis Koning of the Netherlands defend his World Championship title.

“I am very happy to defend my title again, 3rd time in the row. Conditions were very good , there was no wind so it was very easy to row.”

Meanwhile, German sculler Paul Umbach is relatively new to the scene so was pleased with his bronze medal;

“I raced both Netherlands and Italy earlier this year and I know they were faster, I knew it would be really close with the US and Uzbekistan. I went all in. It means a lot to me, this is my first year on the international circuit.”

The reigning World Champion wasn’t able to defend her title in the PR2 women’s single sculls though as Ireland’s Katie O’Brien reversed the result of the preliminary race and was able to beat Australia’s Kathryn Ross today. Ross sung O’Brien’s praises after the race;

“I saw Katie at the beginning of the racing and seeing her coming along this far is phenomenal. I am proud of her. I did the race of my life, I did what I could out there and I am pretty happy with what I have come up with.”

Meanwhile, O’Brien was over the moon with her result, and said:

“It’s a dream come true ! The wind picked up so I started a bit slower, but I managed to execute my race plan. I am at a loss for words!”

Great Britain won gold both the PR3 men’s and women’s pair and the four athletes will come together to race the mixed four tomorrow. After the men’s pair final, Oliver Stanhope said;

“It’s amazing. We work our butts off in training and it shows here. Thanks to the whole team, who made this possible”

Francesca Allen was equally delighted with her win, the first World Championship medal for her;

“This gold medal was dream of mine. If you could have asked me year ago where I be today I would not believe you. This medal means everything to me.”

The para boat classes saw two bronze medals for Ukraine and athletes from both boats gave their thanks to the support they have been given by the rowing community recently. Dmytro Herez, who won bronze in the PR3 men’s pair, said;

“We did the best we could, happy to have this result. Thank you to everyone to supported Ukraine in the last few months.”

Shortly later, Stanislav Samoliu won gold in the PR3 mixed double with Dariia Kotyk and had similar feelings: