Para PR2 Mixed Double Sculls (PR2 Mix2x) – Final

A–Final

The reigning World Champions, Annika van der Meer and Corne de Koning of the Netherlands sat in the centre lane. They were quick earlier in the week in the heats and despite both rowers also racing in the single, they look like they have fitness and energy to burn. Van der Meer and de Koning got into the lead right from the start. Behind them a strong battle was going on between Brazil and Poland with Ukraine right there as well. Brazil’s Josiane Lima and Michel Gomes Pessanha had gained a slight edge. This crew finished second behind the Netherlands earlier this season at the World Rowing Cup. Paralympian Lima is a very experienced para-rower and she sat in the bow seat.

Then Poland’s Michal Gadowski and Jolanta Majka did a push and managed to move ahead of Brazil and away from Ukraine. Meanwhile the Dutch continued to power ahead of the field. But Poland was in hot pursuit and closing on the Dutch with Ukraine getting the better of Brazil. At the line a new World Championship Best Time. Van der Meer and de Koning had rowed to a time of 8:07.92 – just a second down on the World Best Time.

Results: NED, POL, UKR, BRA, LAT, USA

Corne De Koning (s), Netherlands, gold
“It feels very good to defend our world title from last year. Yesterday we didn’t have much time to celebrate so today we will let loose for a bit.”

Michal Gadowski (b), Poland, silver 
“Brazil is a very strong team but we had a good race and great conditions.”

Iaroslav Koiuda (s), Ukraine, bronze
“We’re very tired but we really liked the race. We’re happy but we would have liked gold to be honest.”

Re-watch the race here