The Pan Am rowing regatta continued today at the Lagoa Rowing Centre in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (July 14 to 19).
The women's double of Cristin McCarty (Saskatoon, Sask.) and Peggy Hyslop (Kamloops, BC.) was second to the U.S. in this morning's race to determine lanes for the finals. The U.S. double finished in 7:16.03, followed by Canada in 7:18.27. Cuba took third spot.
"They went out to race, but didn't exhaust themselves this morning," said Canadian Pan Am women's coach Michelle Darvill. "They have some technical details to work on, but it looks good for the final. With each row, they are getting more comfortable in this combination."
In the lightweight women's double heat, Camille Brillon (Edson, Alta.) and Amber Cuthbertson (Harrowsmith, Ont.) were also second. The U.S. took first and qualified for the final in 7:24.38. Canada's time was 7:29.42 and this double will row in a rep later this afternoon to qualify for the finals.
The men's four of Brent Holmes (Peterborough, Ont), David Lamb (Berwick, Ont.), Vincent Goodfellow (Dorval, Que.), and Todd Keesey (Saskatoon, Sask.) was also second to the U.S. who won in 6:13.91. Today's race was to determine lanes.
"The start was manual because of some technical difficulties on the course, but we handled that. Our first 500 (metres) was a little slow, but the second 500 was fast and we were rowing well at that point," said Goodfellow. "At the 750 it was pretty much a two-boat race with the Americans.... The fours finals is going to be a barn burner." Canada's time was 6:17.91. Brazil was third in 6:26.76.
Goodfellow, who attended the University of Western Ontario last year, is representing Canada for the first time at these Games. "It really hit me at the opening ceremonies. It's pretty exhilarating to be here representing our country."