Canadian rowing nationals test Beijing hopefuls

Rowing Canada’s high performance VP commented, "This is a showcase for the best rowers in Canada, and a way for coaches to determine who will be in winter training camps that will ultimately lead to the opportunity to row at the upcoming Olympics in Beijing.”

Racing in pairs and singles, national team members were challenged by those aiming to break in to the top squad. The men’s pair was ultimately won by Kyle Hamilton and Jake Wetzel. Both rowers were part of this year’s World Champion eight. In second were national team rowers, Scott Frandsen and Kip McDaniel. Finishing third were 2004 Olympians, who have only just returned again to rowing, Dave Calder and Andrew Hoskins.

The lightweight women’s single went to Melanie Kok who was a bronze medallist this year in the event at the World Rowing Championships. Kok beat Tracy Cameron who is half of the national team lightweight women’s double.

The lightweight men’s pair had their national team lightweight four – who have already qualified for the Beijing Olympics – take out the top two spots. Liam Parsons and Mike Lewis beat lightweight four teammates, Jon Beare and Iain Brambell.

Member of the World Champion men’s eight, Malcolm Howard won the men’s single. Howard won the Head of the Charles last month in the single, beating World Champion Mahe Drysdale in the process.

A donated $20,000 in prize money was split between the winners.