With possible inconsistent conditions for the Olympic trials to be held at Benderson Park scheduled to begin later this week, the decision has been made to use the results from the 2023 Head Of The Charles to fill the seats for the final 18 seats to go to Paris.
With steady conditions through racing on HOCR '23 weekend and a strong representation of current, former, and potential national team athletes - USRowing in collaboration with the HOCR staff have determined that the quality of the results at the premiere fall event are enough to forego some qualifying races and to minimize resources required to run the multi day final selection event.
Committee members explained that the new approach will satisfy the question of why athletes must race multiple 2000 meter races in a short period of time when there is already have training data and the results from head to head racing across 4800 meters from this fall. HOCR officials have also provided all timing, split and race replay data to the USRowing HP team for evaluation in the event of any discrepancies.
Asked for comment, HP Director Josy V. simply stated "Ask any racer, any real racer, it doesn't matter whether you race a straight 2k or a twisty 4800 meters, winning is winning. And those are the people that will get to go to the Olympics." Josy later admitted he's been watching many of the Fast and Furious films to get through the winter months.
The Head Of The Charles appears to be excited about the turn of events, when asked for comment Race Director Brian Mulaney said "We were proud to have such a strong field of national team athletes at our event last fall, especially with the addition of prize money, but now we will aim to be a selection event on an annual basis. Besides, a selection event when you can go to Ned's afters will be more fun anyways."
The next HOCR + US Team Selection event will take place October 18-20, 2024.