Challenging conditions faced Canada's Junior National Team today in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, during the heats of the World Rowing Junior Championships (Aug. 2 to 5).
Women's pair of Rosie DeBoef and Erika Shaw, both of Victoria, BC, move to the semi-finals after coming second to Romania in 7:41.18. The Romanians had a decisive win in 7:24.69. The men's pair just missed out on advancing to the semi, coming third in 6:55.66 - behind Britain and Croatia. They will row in the repechage. The pair is Josh Gracin of Fonthill, ON and Dan Clout of St. Catharines, ON.
The Canadian women's four was fourth in 7:02.46. Members of the four are Lauren Wilkinson of North Vancouver, BC, Heidi Bulk of Wainfleet, ON, Virginia Kane of London, ON and Laura Fisher of Port Dover, ON. They will row in a repechage for another chance to advance, facing crews from Australia, New Zealand and Romania.
The women's double of Lauren Hutchins of North Vancouver and Sarah Graham of Saskatoon, SK, was fifth in 7:27.51, and will also row in the repechage.
More than 650 athletes in 220 boats representing 52 nations are entered in this pinnacle event of junior rowing to defend their respective national colours in each of the 13 events of the Junior championships' racing program.
Full international results at www.worldrowing.com
This is a busy day for Canadian rowing the senior National Team will be announced later today after time trials were held in both Victoria and London, Ont. this morning.