23 Jan 2012
Athlete Quotes
M4-
Andy TRIGGS HODGE (GBR) – gold medallist, men’s coxless four
On the race:
“That was hard. In these tail wind conditions you have to be so clever.”
Alex PARTRIDGE (GBR) – gold medallist, men’s coxless four
On the race:
“I actually felt that we were going to win it at 1,000m. Stevie [WILLIAMS, GBR] was so calm and we were so calm.”
Peter REED (GBR) – gold medallist, men’s coxless four
On the race:
“That was a pretty amazing finish from the rest of the field.”
On the support from the bank:
“The crowd and the volunteers have made it such a special event.”
Steve WILLIAMS (GBR) – gold medallist, men’s coxless four
On the race:
“I just felt we had the momentum with us. The Americans put a lot in at the beginning of the race. I clipped the water and I thought that was game over. With about 15 strokes to go I was digging deep.”
On the pressure of being favourites:
“Winning for the second time, that’s the real thing. Coming with that there’s real pressure. We knew it was going to be a really tough race.”
Philip ADAMSKI (GER) – silver medallist, men’s coxless four
On the crew:
“We’re all really very young and from a human point of view we fit together brilliantly. We’re the best of friends, together in the same crew and I think there won’t be any better boat than ours in Germany in the next couple of years.”
On the German crew’s future plans:
“We’re looking forward to qualifying for [the 2008 Olympic Games in] Beijing but I think the London Olympic Games in 2012 is too far ahead at the moment.”
Jan Willem GABRIELS (NED) – bronze medallist, men’s coxless four
On the race:
“It was a very hard race. Coming third in the world is good, but next time it may be us [that come first]. Last year we came second when we had to get used to not having a cox and solving our own problems. The Germans had a better sprint but next year we will see.”
W2x
Liz KELL (AUS) – gold medallist, women’s double sculls
On the race:
“I knew we were right there at the line so we knew we were on the right track. We’ve never raced together before this regatta so this is not a bad result. Brooke [PRATLEY, AUS, stroke] is not bad to follow.”
On seeing fellow Australians Drew GINN and Duncan FREE pick up gold in the men’s pairs:
“Our guys won the gold just as we arrived on the course so that was a real inspiration for us.”
Britta OPELT (GER) – silver medallist, women’s double sculls
On the result:
“It was a great pleasure to be ahead of the New Zealanders.”
Caroline EVERS-SWINDELL (NZL) – bronze medallist, women’s double sculls
On the race:
“It’s the end of a legacy in some respects. We were beaten by too good a crew. We’ve both got trouble breathing and walking at the moment. We tried to move with them but couldn’t get near enough.”
Georgina EVERS-SWINDELL (NZL) – bronze medallist, women’s double sculls
On the result:
“The final of a World Championships race is always going to be tough but today wasn’t our day.”
Annie VERNON (GBR) – bow
On finishing narrowly outside the medal places:
“I think if you’d said to us last week that we’d be in the best race in the Championships and only just finish fourth we’d have settled for that.”
Anna BEBINGTON (GBR) – stroke
On looking to the future:
“I think we’ll take a lot of confidence from these Championships. To know that our best race is world class pace … now that we’ve got that belief we can make sure we are on the medal podium next year.”
W2-
Darcy MARQUARDT (CAN) – gold medallist, women’s pairs
On the race:
“It’s our first year rowing together, so it’s a new feeling having beaten the world champions. We knew we had a fast start from [the 2006 World Cup event in] Munich so we kind of expected to be in the lead at 1,000m. We won by two seconds but it felt closer than it was.”
Juliette HAIGH (NZL) – silver medallist, women’s pairs
On the result:
“I feel like jumping up and down. It’s just as good as last year. To do this today, I’m just so, so happy.”
Nicky COLES (NZL) – silver medallist, women’s pairs
On the result:
“I thought I would never be satisfied with anything other than gold, but I’m over the moon. The field was so tough this year. I knew that the Canadians would be the ones to beat.”
On the future:
“I knew that we would have to fight to keep our seats this year. We’re just going to go back to work our butts off to keep our seats for [the 2008 Olympic Games in] Beijing.”
On the crowd at Dorney Lake:
“If you have a little tiny ounce of energy left then the crowd spurs you on to use it.”
Elke HIPLER (GER) – bronze medallist, women’s pairs
On the race:
“That was so hard for us. We wanted to win but the New Zealanders went off really fast so in the end we were happy just to get a medal.”
M2x
Jean-Baptiste MACQUET (FRA) – gold medallist, men’s double sculls
On the race:
“I’m exultant. This was the complete object of the season. We always felt we could win and we have fulfilled our potential.”
“We had a very good finish to this race. Our start is our strongest point, but today we were very happy with our finish.”
Luka SPIK (SLO) – silver medallist, men’s double sculls
On the race:
“We’re no longer World Champions, that’s sad but true. The French had a very good race and you have to have your best race in the final, and this wasn’t ours. The French were just too strong.”
“We were pushing all the time and there was a good feeling in the boat, but the French were up by one length after the start and they stayed ahead.”
Steve ROWBOTHAM (GBR) – bronze medallist, men’s double sculls
On the race:
“Our race plan was ‘row our race; bottom line bronze’. It was just head down last 10 strokes. We knew that our second half is the best in the world.”
Matt WELLS (GBR) – bronze medallist, men’s double sculls
On the race:
“We came into this race today thinking we have to row our own race. We didn’t have a great semi-final. We knew that if we stayed calm in the first 1,000m in the second 1,000m we’re the quickest crew. It just happened so well. It’s just really good for us to finish on the podium.”
M2-
Drew GINN (AUS) – gold medallist, men’s pairs
On the race:
“It was good to go out there and be able to perform, and be able to do it on the day. We really had it in our minds how we wanted to row the final.”
“We had more margin at 600m to go than we thought we would. We weren’t overly confident in the rough water, and our ability there.”
On being one of the more experienced pairs on the water:
“You still go into the unknown a bit. Our motto is ‘embrace the unknown’.”
George BRIDGEWATER (NZL) – silver medallist, men’s pairs
On the result:
“Of course we’re disappointed. It’s a new position to be in for us. We couldn’t have given any more. They were a better crew on the day.”
Kevin LIGHT (CAN) – bronze medallist, men’s pairs
On holding on for bronze:
“Malcolm [HOWARD, CAN, stroke] was looking over and telling me that we were still in with a chance. I realised coming towards the line that we were taking pretty good strokes and that we were going to have a good chance of pulling through.”
Malcolm HOWARD (CAN) – third, men’s coxless pairs
On not being able to resist taking a peek at Canada’s rivals:
“I guess I shouldn’t have been looking. It’s a bad habit coming up to the finish but I just wanted to concentrate on pushing the boat forwards.”
M1x
Quotes from Mahe DRYSDALE (NZL), Marcel HACKER (GER) and Ondrej SYNEK (CZE), gold, silver and bronze medallist respectively in the men’s single sculls.
Mahe DRYSDALE (NZL) – gold medallist, men’s single sculls
On the race:
“Going into the last 250m he [Marcel HACKER, GER] still had a length, and then I crossed the line and looked around and realised I got it.”
“I just put my quickest sprint out there and at the end of the day I got through. I knew I was strong in the second 1,000m, but with 500m to go I was starting to doubt myself.”
Marcel HACKER (GER) – silver medallist, men’s single sculls
On recovering from surgery to take part at the 2006 World Championships:
“I was very, very lucky to get away with silver. I had an operation eight weeks ago so I was told to do no training, but I did train a week afterwards.”
On his race tactics:
“I knew my only chance was to go from the front because everyone is very good in that race. The wind was very important for me.”
Ondrej SYNEK (CZE) – bronze medallist, men’s single sculls
On the race:
“It was a very good race for me, but on the day others were better. The plan was to go as fast as I could so I was pleased with how I went but I’ll just have to come back and try and win next year.”
Alan CAMPBELL (GBR) – sixth, men’s single sculls final
On finishing last:
“I’m quite disappointed. I had a technical problem at 900m, the pin dropped out of my right rigger. From then I was just trying to finish the race.”
“I don’t see a true reflection between my performance at this regatta and what I am able to produce. I’ll be back.”
W4-
Jo LUTZ (AUS) – gold medallist, women’s coxless four
On the race:
“It felt like it was over very quickly. We had a fast tailwind and quite a few dirty strokes. It hasn’t really sunk in that we’re world champions yet – I’m just glad that it’s over and done with.
“It’s good preparation for our eights which is our priority. Our programme is based on a lot of racing, it’s better that way.”
LI Meng (CHN) – silver medallist, women’s coxless four
On the race:
“From the start Australia were up and they stayed that way through the race. We weren’t thinking of medals but we’re quite capable of finishing well.”
“There are no absolutes in rowing and we’re all going to concentrate on performing well.”
Portia JOHNSON (USA) – bronze medallist, women’s coxless four
On the race:
“It was good, and our competitors were tough.”
Esther LOFGREN (USA) – bronze medallist, women’s coxless four
On the race:
“It was a really fast race. We were trying to get faster in the first 1,000m”
Erin CAFARO (USA) – bronze medallist, women’s coxless four
On the race:
“We just wish it was a 3,000m piece. It was a solid race.”
On the crew’s future:
“I think we’re kind of young. Once we’ve finally settled down, it’s game on.”
W1x
Ekaterina KARSTEN (BLR) – gold medallist, women’s single sculls
On the race:
“I didn’t think it would be so easy. I expected the others to be closer.”
On her training plan:
“There’s no real secret to my success. I’ve been training with a very good but very small team in Cologne [Germany]. We’ve had very good practice and that’s what has made the difference – that and nature giving me a good physique.”
On plans to defend her title:
“I don’t think it will be nearly so easy next year because it’s before the Olympics and a lot of my competitors are younger than I am.”
Mirka KNAPKOVA (CZE) – silver medallist, women’s single sculls
On the race:
“The first 1,000m went okay and I thought it was going to be a good race for me. Then Ekaterina went past me and she was always faster. But I still hope to go to Beijing [for the 2008 Olympic Games].”
Frida SVENSSON (SWE) – bronze medallist, women’s single sculls
On the race:
“I didn’t expect that. I had a good start and then my thought during the race was ‘keep going, don’t look back’. I heard my coach at 500m saying ‘you can take her’ [Sophie BALMARY, FRA], then I saw that I was getting closer.”
On her plans for next year:
“I’m going to go for the gold next time. My goal is to get to the final, and then anything can happen.”
M2+
Jovan POPOVIC (SCG) – gold medallist, men’s coxed pairs
On the race:
“Our tactic was to compete from the beginning and we did it. We took the lead in the race for lanes, but our rate fell down.”
“Today the race was very good; we took the lead from 200m and we just continued to charge. We just charged to the end.”
Francesco GABRIELE (ITA) – silver medallist, men’s coxed pairs
On the race:
“We started very slow because we don’t have aerobic power, but in the longer race we are very persistent, and little by little we became stronger.”
“We took the Canadians at 500m to go. We attacked with ten strokes and I think that was where we got the silver medal.”
James BYRNES (CAN) – bronze medallist, men’s coxed pairs
On the race:
“We had a strong start and managed to hold on but the other crews walked through us round about the halfway mark.”
“The middle of the race is what we’ve been working on so we managed to stay right there within two seconds of the Italians.”
“We’re reasonably happy with a third place. This is our first World Championships so I know our next objective is [the 2008 Olympic Games in] Beijing.”
LW1x
Marit van EUPEN (NED) – gold medallist, lightweight women’s single sculls
On the race:“I knew that the water would be quite rough in the last 1,000m, so my plan was to sneak away as quick as possible and then just to hold on. It worked.”
On retaining her title:
“It’s always great to win.”
Berit CAROW (GER) – silver medallist, lightweight women’s single sculls
On the race:
“I didn’t get a good start. I had trouble with the waves. Keeping the stroke rate high was very difficult.”
“I was very happy with the last 500m but I knew I wasn’t going to catch Marit because every stroke I took Marit took a harder one – but still I’m happy with silver.”
Teresa MAS DE XAXARS – bronze medallist, lightweight women’s single sculls
On the race:
“For me the start was really good, I am sometimes too slow but this time it was really good. I tried to increase the power but the last 400m were really hard. I tried to improve my style but the last ten strokes were really horrible.”
“Always it is Teresa bronze after winning this last year but it is not my favourite colour, I would have preferred gold.”
LM8+
Quotes from Italy, Germany and Poland after winning gold, silver and bronze respectively in the lightweight men’s eights.
Martino GORETTI (ITA) – gold medallist, lightweight men’s eights
On the race:
“We tried to start faster than we did in the race-off because we were a little scared by the German crew who started very fast. We didn’t feel we were in control all the time but after 1,000m we thought we had the race because we knew we’re stronger in the second part.”
On the reaction to their win back home in Italy:
“I think they’ll be going crazy back in Italy. I am extremely happy, I don’t even want to think about the future but if I have to, we’re all hoping to be in the lightweight four next year.”
Felix ERDMANN (GER) – silver medallist, lightweight men’s eights
On the race:
“We went out with Italy and Denmark and then Italy started to take the lead, and over the middle 1,000m they kept going. They had a very efficient sprint so we went with them. The Italians were very together.”
On winning silver for Germany:
“We’re very proud of the silver medal. It’s quite nice. We had to change our tactics a bit in the middle. We didn’t really know what the Italians were like, but we’re very satisfied.”
Tomasz KOWALIK (POL) – bronze medallist, lightweight men’s eights
On winning bronze for Poland:
“I’ve never had a feeling like this in my life. It was my biggest dream to get a medal at a World Championships and this is really the biggest crowd I’ve ever seen at a rowing match.”
“We did everything we could to get a medal and we knew it might be possible, but we never dreamed it would happen.”
On the future:
“This is my first Championships, as well as our cox [Rafal WOZNIAK] but our problem is lack of funding back home. We have no money and it may well be that the crew will break up into two coxless fours, and we’re wondering what to do with the cox! But we’re all very happy and very pleased.”
LM1x
Zac PURCHASE (GBR) – gold medallist, lightweight men’s single sculls
On the race:
“I always knew it was going to be down to the last 500m. I was down a little bit longer than I thought I was going to be. There was always the struggle to stay ahead. It’s just the challenge of staying ahead.”
“I felt the Spaniard edging closer. I just had to stay ahead for another ten strokes!”
On the crowd at Dorney Lake:
“I’ve never heard a crowd that loud. It was amazing.”
Juan ZUNZUNEGUI GUIMERANS (ESP) – silver medallist, lightweight men’s single sculls
On his tactics for racing Zac PURCHASE (GBR):
“In Spain I trained very hard. I know I had to be near Zac, he was the favourite. I got closer to him than in [the Rowing World Cup in] Lucerne.”
“In the middle of the race he is very, very strong and that was what decided it.”
“In the finish I tried to close him down but I just couldn’t, but I’m happy with my medal.”
Duncan GRANT (NZL) – bronze medallist, lightweight men’s single sculls
On the race:
“I had a good race and a great regatta and great conditions. I even enjoyed the tailwind. I was a late selection for the Kiwi crew, only coming into it in June and came through the training scheme on Lake Karapiro.”
On his plans going forward:
“I did some serious racing after that and obviously did enough to make the selectors take a second look at me. I’ve been doing competitive training through the winter and I hope I’m keeping my head against the storm because I’m looking to be in the double for [the 2008 Olympic Games in] Beijing and then to come back here in [the London Olympic Games in] 2012.”
W4-
Quotes from Australia, China and the USA after they finished first, second and third respectively in the women’s coxless four final.
Jo LUTZ (AUS) – gold medallist, women’s coxless four
On the race:“It felt like it was over very quickly. We had a fast tailwind and quite a few dirty strokes. It hasn’t really sunk in that we’re world champions yet – I’m just glad that it’s over and done with.
“It’s good preparation for our eights which is our priority. Our programme is based on a lot of racing, it’s better that way.”
LI Meng (CHN) – silver medallist, women’s coxless four
On the race:“From the start Australia were up and they stayed that way through the race. We weren’t thinking of medals but we’re quite capable of finishing well.”
“There are no absolutes in rowing and we’re all going to concentrate on performing well.”
Portia JOHNSON (USA) – bronze medallist, women’s coxless four
On the race:
“It was good, and our competitors were tough.”
Esther LOFGREN (USA) – bronze medallist, women’s coxless four
On the race:
“It was a really fast race. We were trying to get faster in the first 1,000m”
Erin CAFARO (USA) – bronze medallist, women’s coxless four
On the race:
“We just wish it was a 3,000m piece. It was a solid race.”
On the crew’s future:
“I think we’re kind of young. Once we’ve finally settled down, it’s game on.”
M1x
Quotes from Lassi KARONEN (SWE), after finishing first in the men’s single sculls B final.
Lassi KARONEN (SWE) – first, men’s single sculls B final
On the race:
“This was much better than my other races. I found the conditions much more to my liking. It was a tight race, I tried to push hard in the middle.”
LW2x
Minna Nieminen, FIN, LW2x – Semi A/B (1st)
Q. What are your sentiments on the crews who were in the finals last year but were beaten here in the semis today (GER, USA, IRL)?
Translator: Surprised. Poland and USA won their heats and they were considered very strong crews. Germany hasn’t been strong at all the whole season.
Chrysi Biskitzi, GRE, LW2x – Semi A/B (3rd)
Q. How do you feel about the final with the likes of China as the favorites?
Chrysi Biskitzi: Of course they are the favorites, but that doesn’t mean that other countries don’t have the right to fight also for the finals. We’ve had very good training and our times were very good. We were feeling that we could get in the final. In the World Cups, we were close but we didn’t make it. In the right moment here, we made it happen and we’re very happy about this.
Last year I was very unhappy because I lost for the final. I was in the single and I lost for the final by one hundredth of a second. On this day last year, I was crying and this year I am very happy.
This year I was very strong for myself and I said I won’t let it happen again. I want the final. And finally this came true.
LM2x
Marcello Miani and Elia Luini, ITA, LM2x – Semi ABC 1 (1st)
Q. What’s the aim for the final after winning the semifinal today?
Marcello Miani: To win our race because Denmark is very strong, we have found them to be the biggest challenge.
Q. What do you think about Australia and Germany?
Marcello Miani: They are very fast in the first 1000 m, but the third 500 meters is our strength. We can maintain the speed of the boat.
Q. Beijing? Are you together for that?
Elia Luini: Maybe I hope. I am working toward the Olympic Games. I’ve been in Sydney with the silver medal in the double and Athens was no good.
Rasmus Hansen, DEN, LM2x – Semi A/B/C 3 (1st)
Q. You are the crew to be beating?
Rasmus Hansen: It is nice to be the ones in the front and the ones to beat. That gives you a sense of peace.
Q. How do you feel about going into the final?
Rasmus Hansen: We may be the favorites but it is always a tough race. It is always nice to be in the final, but things happen.
Q. Tell me a bit about your new coach and the difference with the last one (Karsten) who is now coaching in Canada?
Rasmus Hansen: The new coach is Thomas Balton. It’s nice…we had Karsten since 2001 and I don’t think we were stuck, but it’s nice to have some new eyes seeing it from a bit of a different perspective. So many of the things we are working with are basically the same. But there are some small differences, mostly in the way they coach us. Karsten is teaching a lot, or saying a lot sometimes to tell us where to be in the boat with the catch or the finish and so on, whereas Thomas is more telling us how it should feel in the boat and so on. So it’s worked for us to just feel the boat. It’s worked for us.
LM4-
Bent Jensen (DEN), Canadian LM4- coach
Q. How do you feel about making the switch to Canada and having the lightweight men’s four qualify for the finals with a new younger crew?
Bent Jensen: I think it’s really exciting to be in Canada. I’ve been there since April. I have it good over there, and I hope I can help the rowers in Canada. And make a good resource.
Q. This crew did not compete in the Worlds last year. How do you feel this result is reflective in your making the changes in the program?
Bent Jensen: We have changed the program a little. The training is broken up a little more for them. I think that has helped them so they can feel a little more power when they go out there.
Q. What has been the biggest change?
Bent Jensen: How many times of training in a day…we have taken it a little down and put a little more in each time.
LW2x
Jane Hall, GBR, LW2x – Semi A/B (3rd)
Q. How do you feel about going into the final and competing against crews are new to the final and the others being dropped out that where the favorites?
Jane Hall: I feel proud of our performance but it’s just a reflection of how savage the event is. There is no room for error when you sit on that start line in the lightweight events. You can not afford to have one bad stroke. If you miss a stroke the other crews are going to capitalize on that and today from the first stroke to the last we got it exactly right.
Yeah, that is really quite extraordinary that we’re missing the gold, the silver, and fifth place from last year’s World Championships.
Q. For you coming back after a bit of a lay off how does it feel to be jumping into the final?
Jane Hall: Well, it’s just amazing really. This time last year when I started my long road of getting back to this position, it’s more than I could have dreamed of. So that makes all the blood, sweat and tears just worthwhile now.
M8+
Cameron McKenzie McHarg, AUS, M8+ — Semi A/B 2 (1st)
Q. What went on in that semi and the win for you today?
Cameron McKenzie McHarg: We really just wanted to get out in front of everyone and then let the fight go on in the second and third position. That’s what panned out very well for us. We just steadily built up the lead and we knew there was going to be a fair bit of heat on in the last 500, and luckily we got out of the dog fight I suppose, so we secured our position which is fantastic. We’re very happy.
Q. How do you feel about the Canadians not making it into the final by .03?
Cameron McKenzie McHarg: I know it’s tough. (empathetic sigh) But I knew it was going to be pretty tight there for the last positions. Someone had to miss out. It’s excruciating to miss out by that small margin, but that’s rowing. That’s what makes it exciting.
Q. You guys were the favorites in that semi…how does that feel being lower ranked in previous World Championships?
Cameron McKenzie McHarg: We’ve had a good build up this year. I think each race we’re building confidence. And its been good to have a bit of success early in the World Cups and to bring that here and to make us go into each race with the expectation to win, and we certainly went into that race knowing if we got it right we would probably finish first. It’s good to set out the plan and execute it. And that’s what we did.
M2-
Quotes from Donovan CECH (RSA), after winning the B final of the men’s pairs with bow Ramon DI CLEMENTE (RSA), and from Jessica EDDIE (GBR) after finishing fifth in the women’s pairs B final with bow Baz MOFFAT (GBR).
Donovan CECH (RSA) – winner, men’s pair
On the race:
“That was our first B final since 1999, so it was not that exciting [for us].”
“Unfortunately we had some problems in the semi-final and went into New Zealand’s lane and had to stop rowing.”
W2-
Jessica Eddie (GBR) – fifth, women’s pair
On the pair’s reaction to reaching the B final:
“We are really pleased to be here. We’ve not had much time in our class and the standard of pairs is pretty high. We raced the best we could have raced.”