Para PR3 Mixed Coxed Four (PR3 Mix4+) – Finals

A–Final

It was hard to look past the British crew. They are the reigning Paralympic Champions and have been on a many-year winning streak. There has been some crew changes in that time, but their boat speed is always good. But at the start it was the Americans in the lead. Great Britain held their pace and these two countries went neck-and-neck through the middle of the race together. France and Australia were also right on the pace and not only challenging for bronze, but they were in striking distance of a more colourful medal.

Then Great Britain did a push coming into the third 500 and they got their nose ahead of the US. The sprint was on to the line. The British rated 35 with the United States at 37 and France giving it their all at 34. The medal order had been decided in one of the best finishes seen ever in this boat class.

Results: GBR, USA, FRA, CAN, AUS, UKR

Oliver Stanhope, Great Britain, gold
“That really went to plan. We always had belief in ourselves for today. Credit to the whole crew, we really stepped it up and a big thanks to the whole team to have made this possible.”

 Danielle Hansen (s), United States of America, silver
“When you want a medal you have to better your time each race. We were able to really lay it down today. To recover for our race later, I just have to listen to my coach.”

 Antoine Jesel (s), France, bronze
“We had a very good race and a great start. We kept contact with the USA throughout. We’ve had a really good week in our boat and this is an end that we are happy with.”

Re-watch the race here

B-final

Russia and Korea posted the fastest time in their repechage. A lot of these athletes were racing at the international level for the first time in this growing boat class. Russia led the way at the start and used the middle of the race to extend their lead over Korea. Rating 33 Russia stayed in front right through to the line. There was a big cheer for Tunisia as they crossed the line a distance back after a fine effort.

Results: RUS, KOR, POL, MEX, SRI, TUN