Under-23 Women’s Eight (BW8+) – Final

During the heats earlier in the week the United States had recorded the fastest qualifying time and had been under no pressure, winning by open water. They are the defending under-23 World Champions and there’s little doubt that they were geared up today to protect the legacy of the US women’s eight. A good even start began this final but it was not long before the US squeezed away. Four of this crew had won gold yesterday in the under-23 women’s four. Rating 37 the US was already moving away with Russia in second.

As the Americans moved away, a virtual line formed behind them. This scenario continued through the middle of the race with just a second separating Russia, Great Britain and New Zealand. Great Britain then pushed into second as Russia looked like they could not keep up. The US continued to set their own standard at the head of the field rating 37. It was now between New Zealand and Great Britain and Russia for the remaining medals. The United States are the under-23 World Champions. Great Britain got silver and Russia took bronze by just 0.31 of a second over New Zealand.

Results: USA, GBR, RUS, NZL, AUS, GER

Gia Doonan, Gold, United States of America
“Winning two golds in one World Championship feels unreal! No words can really describe it. The support from this team and this program is incredible.” 

Holly Hill, Silver, Great Britain
“We knew the USA was going to jump off the start, so we just focused on our own race. At the 1000m we had a little battle with the Russians but after that we were able to push away from them. Next year I will go to Cambridge and will try to get a spot in the blue boat.”

Ekaterina Kopaeva (c), Bronze, Russia
“In our heat we had a difficult race but this race was probably the most difficult race in our life. We did not want to give the bronze medal to anyone else.”