The first test event for the Beijing Olympics, the 2007 World Rowing Junior Championships (Aug. 8 to 11), began at the Shunyi Rowing-Canoeing Park in Beijing, China, today.
"We had a good race..... we went out to race the clock, and we are pleased with the results produced," said Jacob, who finished fourth last year in the Junior coxed four. "It's a fantastic venue - the grandstands, the people, and all the other nations make it truly a once in a lifetime experience. I feel very privileged to line up where in a year from now, the Canadian Olympic team will be competing for a gold medal, and just representing a fraction of what they stand for at the Junior Worlds makes it all that much more special."
In the Junior men's double, David Wakulich of St. Catharines, Ont. and Alex Soutter of Thornhill, Ont. were second in 6:57.80, but only one in each heat of the men's double - in this case the Ukrainian boat - advanced to the semi-final. The Canadians must row in a rep tomorrow.
The Canadian Junior men's four move to the semi, after coming third in today's heat. Great Britain won the heat in 6:25.54, Germany was second in 6:30.74 and Canada took the final qualifying spot in 6:36.01. The four is Andrew Knorr (Saskatoon, Sask.), Stuart Taylor (Brockville, Ont), Spencer Crowley (Lantzville, BC) and Noah O'Connell (Metchosin, BC).
Bridget Moran of London, Ont. and Samantha Sartor of Mississauga, Ont. were second in their heat in 7:50.89, but only the top finisher (Romania in this race) in the women's pair heats moved directly to the final. The Chinese finished first in this heat, but were relegated to last place because their boat didn't meet the required weight.
Junior women's single - Lauren Wilkinson of North Vancouver, B.C. - was fifth in today's heat in 8:25.12 and will row in a rep.
In the Junior women's double, Claudia Blandford of Winnipeg, Man. and Alexandria Crawshaw of Victoria, BC, finished fourth - they were overtaken by South Africa (7:47.48) for the third qualifying spot and finished in a time of 7:49.64.
Rowing is one of 12 test events planned for Beijing through the month of August. As expected, it was hot and humid, with calm conditions early in the day and a slight head wind as the day progressed. Racing continues tomorrow.