03 Apr 2012
Buenos Aires ready to make Olympic dreams come true
At the Tigre Rowing Course in Buenos Aires, Argentina final preparations have been put into place before crews descend on the lake with the hope of realising their Olympic dreams.
Four events will be raced at this Qualification regatta between 22-25 March. There are six Olympic spots available in the men’s single sculls, five Olympic places in the women’s single sculls, and three chances to qualify in both the lightweight men’s double sculls and the lightweight women’s double sculls.
The Tigre Course is taking shape. Every week the PreOlimpica Organising Committee has been meeting at the course to monitor the progress that has been made. The construction company has been working against the clock to ensure all is prepared for the regatta. The shores of the lake have been fully shaped and finished, 2000m of grass surrounding the lake has been cut, and finishing touches are being made to the control and finish towers, and meeting rooms.
Hugo Cebrowski of the Organising Committee said: “It was energising to see people working everywhere. It looks like DisneyWorld!”
Aiming to arrive in the very best shape in Argentina, Latin American nations are currently on various training camps. Currently there are 16 nations on the entry list with a group of 13 men competing in the men's single sculls, 12 women in the women's single sculls, eight crews in the lightweight men's double sculls and six crews in the lightweight women's double sculls. The Brazilian gold medallist from the 2011 World Rowing Championships in the lightweight women's single sculls – Fabiana Beltrame will be paired up with Luana Bartholo de Assis to race in the lightweight double and they should be the crew to watch.
A number of medallists from the Pan Am Games last year in Mexico will also be present.