Canada's rowing program got yet another boost today with a strong performance at the World Under-23 Regatta in Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro. Canada won two medals, and had four crews place in the top six.
The team capped off the day with a gold in the men's eight - with Canada more than two seconds ahead of France and 4.61 seconds over third-place Australia. Fourth-place Germany, followed by Poland and Croatia, missed out on medals.
"The Canadians dominated the field," said head coach Brian Richardson, who oversees Canada's high-performance program. Canada's men's eight was also strong in the last two Under-23 championships - winning gold in 2001 and silver in 2002.
Members of this year's winning eight are James Dunaway of Duncan, B.C., Darryl DeLeeuw of Victoria, B.C., Malcolm Howard of Victoria, B.C., Jamie Faris of Fort Saskatchewan, Alta., Peter Van Rooijen of Brockville, Ont., Craig Smallwood of Victoria Harbour, Ont., Rob Weitemeyer of Vancouver, B.C., Andrew Ireland of Hamilton, Ont. and Ryan Howard of Rockport, Ont.
The lightweight women's double of Lysanne Lavigne of Boucherville, Que. and Lindsay Jennerich of Victoria, B.C. picked up a bronze after a solid row and finishing in 7:19.37, behind first-place China (7:14.00) and Germany (7:16.52).
In the men’s pair, Daniel Casaca - only 18 years old - and Jonathan Caners, both of Toronto, Ont., had a poor start, but managed a fourth place overall. Germany, Latvia and Russia won gold, silver and bronze respectively.
"This is still a young Under-23 team, so it was a great international racing experience for them and many of these rowers could be back next year, which is terrific for rowing’s development program," said Richardson.
The lightweight men's four, another young crew, finished fifth overall. Members are Kevin Owsianski of Ladysmith, B.C., Ian Cooper of Victoria, B.C., Greg Moore of Hamilton, Ont. and Scott Moore of Toronto, Ont.
Zoe Hoskins of Edmonton, Alta., Ashley Brzozowicz of Toronto, Ont., Leah Ketcheson of Belleville, Ont., and Jennifer Krawec of St. Catharines, Ont., rowing in the women's four event, finished seventh overall, after winning today's B final.
The Canadian Under-23 coaching staff members are Doug White, Howie Campbell – both of Victoria – and Laryssa Biesenthal of Walkerton, Ont.
More than 575 athletes raced this weekend on Sava Lake at this year’s Under-23 regatta, which gives up-and-coming rowers at chance to be part of high-calibre international racing action.
Rowing Canada Aviron (RCA) recognizes PacificSport Canadian Sport Centre – Victoria for its support of RCA's development program in Victoria, and the Canadian Sport Centre – Ontario for its support of the London training centre’s program.