Two Canadian women's crews advanced today after semi-final racing at the World Rowing Junior Championships in Amsterdam.
"We have a strong start and it showed in today's race. Racing was fierce, but we attacked and moved through two crews," said Shaw. "We are looking forward to the final and we're excited to pick up our rate and speed tomorrow."
Lauren Hutchins of North Vancouver, B.C. and Sarah Graham of Saskatoon, Sask., also made it through to the finals after finishing third in their semi in the women's double event. Estonia won the semi in 7:36.86, followed by Austria in 7:38.19 and Canada in 7:39.73. The Canadian double had the third best time overall in this event after both semis were raced today.
"Now that they're in the A final, anything can happen on race day," said junior women's coach Mike Thompson. "All three boats have a shot, so we're cautiously optimistic."
In addition to the women's pair and women's double, the men's coxed four will race in the medal round tomorrow.
Racing at the 2006 FISA World Rowing Junior Championships wraps up on Saturday, August 5.
The first FISA Junior Regatta for men was held in 1967 and women were included eight years later following on the heels of women's rowing being added to the Olympic Games in 1976.