Schinias Side Happenings - Opening Day at the Olympic Regatta

Yesterday the Romanian Olympic Committee issued an apology for the misunderstanding which began when Romanian media speculated on an "inconclusive" sample and misled public opinion by reporting that the test was "positive."

The Romanian Rowing Federation and Romanian Olympic Committee took immediate necessary measures in order to clarify the situation.

General Secretary Dan Popper stated, "On the same day that the result came out another sample was taken from the athlete Susanu which was sent to the Doping Control Laboratory in Barcelona. The results proved to be negative." 

"The Romanian sports institution apologises for having allowed these speculations to seriously damage the athlete's public image and hopes her performance and results will re-confirm her value as an athlete and her ethical attitude as an Olympic athlete."

Susanu, the reigning Olympic Champion in the pair, raced in the women's pair with partner Georgeta Andrunache to a first place finish in their heat today.

Germany's President at Schinias

Newly elected German President Horst Koehler joined the spectators at Schinias to watch the sport that is likely to feature prominently in his nation's Olympic medal total.

Germany consistently is the overall winner of World Cup regattas with strength in all disciplines of the sport. They not only have top male sculling and sweep rowers but they also feature prominently in women's events having one of the best single scullers in the world and a women's eight that are the current World Champions.

Germany's rowing strength is at all levels and recently the nation topped the overall points table at both the Under 23 regatta and the Junior World Championships.

FISA Adapts Boat Material Rule

After concerns about the possibility of rough water conditions at the Schinias Rowing/Canoeing Centre, coaches and boat makers have been working together to make sure their boats are ready for waves.

Various splash guards, fairings and water pumps have been asked to be approved by FISA's Materials Commission who have checked out and approved every device that they have been shown.

An amendment to FISA Rule 27 has therefore been made:

"Powered mechanical devices (i.e. pumps) will not be included in the weight of the boat. Splash guards, fairings and other devices used to prevent water from entering the boat that are attached to boats by permanent or temporary means are allowed and will be included in the weight of the boat when used."