Canada's lightweight women's double and lightweight men's four crews both posted the fastest times in their events today at the Pan American Games regatta in the Dominican Republic.
The lightweight double of Gen Meredith of Ste. Anne-de-Bellevue, Que. and Fiona Milne of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. advance to the finals after winning today's heat in 7:23.39. They were followed by Cuba in 7:32.49 and Mexico in 7:50.45.
"We were in control from 300 metres in, and we did what we needed to do today to get into the finals," said Meredith. "It felt great."
Iain Brambell of Brentwood Bay, B.C., Mike Simonson of Calgary, Alta., Mike Lewis of Victoria, B.C. and Chris Davidson of Oakville, Ont., rowing in the lightweight men's four, won their heat in 6:22.93. The U.S. was second in 6:38.91, followed by Paraguay in 6:40.20.
"It will be a very challenging final," said Mike Simonson, "Chile and Cuba had fast times (in the other heat) and will be our strongest competition. We are looking forward to good race."
Finals for both of these events will be held on Saturday.
All of Canada's rowing entries qualified for the medal rounds, which begin on Friday. The Canadian team now has two days without competition to prepare for the finals.