Rower Joan Reid of Enderby, B.C., raced this weekend at the Gavirate International Adaptive Regatta in Gavirate, Italy, as a warm up for the final Paralympic Qualifier (May 3 to 5) in Belgrade, Serbia (World Cup 1) next weekend.
Reid competed in two races ending up in the A final for both, and on the second day of the regatta, she earned a bronze medal (see results below).
"Joan raced very well and isn't that far off the top scullers in the world," said Jeff Dunbrack, Rowing Canada Aviron?s lead coach for para-rowing. "This racing experience should help her next weekend in Belgrade as she attempts to qualify for one of two spots for the 2012 Paralympic Games."
All boats that made the A final at this regatta have already qualified for the 2012 London Paralympic Games. Next weekend Reid will be racing China, Hungary, Japan, Denmark, Russia, South Africa, Argentina and USA.
Canada has already qualified the mixed coxed four, currently ranked second in the world, for the 2012 Paralympic Games.
Race 1 Final A (1000m) 1 France 5:47 2 Brazil 5:57 3 Israel 5:59 4 CANADA 6:00 5 Poland 6:31 6 Portugal 7:04
Race 2 Final A 1 Israel 6:04 2 Brazil 6:08 3 CANADA 6:17 4 Poland 6:53 5 Portugal 6:58 6 Hungary 7:14