Emma Fredh, Sweden, Silver, Imogen Walsh,_
Emma Fredh, Sweden, Silver, Imogen Walsh, Great Britain, Gold, Judith Anlauf, Germany, Bronze, Lightweight Women's Single Sculls, 2015 European Rowing Championships, Poznan, Poland

A missed stroke at the start put Russia at the back of the field leaving the other five scullers to take off at a rapid pace. Cyprus’s  Anna Ioannou got a slight edge with 40 strokes gone with Germany and Sweden right on her pace. Then Emma Fredh of Sweden did an impressive push and moved out in front with Germany’s Judith Anlauf staying right with her. In yesterday’s semifinal, Anlauf had beaten Fredh, but it was very close. What would it be today?

Meanwhile Imogen Walsh was really moving up. Walsh is part of a British group of three lightweight scullers who are all vying for a spot in the Olympic boat, the lightweight double. Walsh was unlucky to miss out after being part of the double last year and she must be continuing to prove herself. Coming into the final sprint there was just a second between Fredh, Walsh and Anlauf. Walsh took her stroke rate to 38 and gave it her all. Fredh followed suit. At the line there was nothing in it. Walsh won by a mere bow ball. 

Results: GBR, SWE, GER, CYP, RUS, LTU

 

Imogen Walsh (GBR) – Gold

It’s a mixed bag of emotion as I had a really difficult winter. I want to row in the double, but to win here in the Europeans makes me happy now.

Emma Fredh (SWE) – Silver

Usually I am in the double, but my partner is injured with a rib problem. We will be back in the double for the World Cups.

Judith Anlauf (GER) – Bronze

I always try to be as fast as possible in the middle of the race as my start and finish are not really quick.

 

B-final

Denmark’s Runge Holmegaard used the first half of the race to keep her boat in front and then used the second half to move away from her competition. Sinead Jennings of Ireland tried hard to get ahead in the final sprint, but Denmark was too comfortably in the lead. Holmegaard’s time of 7:40 indicated her sculling speed. 

Results: DEN, IRL, NED, POL, AUT, LAT