2008 Thomas Keller finallists announced

They are:
Derek Porter (CAN)
Elisabeta Lipa (ROM)
Jean-Christophe Rolland (FRA)
James Cracknell (GBR)
Katrin Rutschow-Stomporowski (GER)

A Canadian icon, Derek Porter became stroke of his country’s men’s eight just a couple of weeks before the 1992 Olympic Games. The crew won gold. Porter then took to the single winning silver at the next Olympic Games and then finishing fourth in 2000. Porter is recognised world wide for his rowing success and has been honoured in Canada with the Canadian Meritorious Service medal as well as being admitted into the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame.

Elisabeta Lipa’s rowing success and success in her career (police general) has made her very respected in her home country Romania. She has used this respect to further rowing in Romania. For Lipa rowing has meant six Olympic Games – the first as a 19-year-old and last as a 39-year-old – and at least one medal at each of them. She has been successful at both sweep and sculling events and has mentored many younger rowers into the top ranks.

Jean-Christophe Rolland became a star in France when he won gold in the pair at the 2000 Olympics. This was his third Olympic Games which he managed while still continuing his professional life. While training for the Olympics Rolland would get up for rowing at 5am, go to work, erg at lunchtime in his office and be back on the water or in the gym after work. Rolland remains involved in rowing as the current chair of FISA’s athlete’s commission.

Known as a fanatical trainer with a big personality, Great Britain’s James Cracknell became a force alongside British greats Steve Redgrave and Matthew Pinsent. He won back to back Olympic gold medals in the men’s four and has also been successful in the pair, still holding the World Best Time in this event (2002). Cracknell remains involved in rowing as well as doing various multisport events in the name of charity.

Olympic gold in the single was Katrin Rutschow-Stomporowski’s target. The red headed German won her first international medal in this discipline as a junior in 1991. Also a team player Rutschow-Stomporowski joined her country’s famous quad and picked up two World Champion titles as well as an Olympic gold in 1996. She then returned to the single, went to two more Olympics, and won the coveted gold. Rutschow-Stomporowski remains involved in rowing and is a great example to many young athletes.