World Rowing Championships – Women’s Eight win Gold in a first for New Zealand

With four gold medals and two silvers, New Zealand finishes at the top of the medal table for the 2019 World Rowing Championships.

Yesterday the New Zealand’s women’s pair and lightweight women’s double were both crowned World Champions while the men’s pair took silver.

On the last day of finals New Zealand took a further three medals, closing the day with gold in the women’s double and women’s eight, and silver in the women’s single.

Nine New Zealand boat classes have now qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Today the women’s eight, men’s single and men’s double join the women’s single, women’s pair, women’s double, lightweight women’s double, women’s quad and men’s pair boat classes in qualifying for Tokyo 2020.

Nine of New Zealand’s 16 crews made A Finals.

Women’s Eight (W8+) - A Final

Coached by Gary Hay, the New Zealand women’s eight crew of Ella Greenslade, Emma Dyke, Lucy Spoors, Kelsey Bevan, Grace Prendergast, Kerri Gowler, Beth Ross, Jackie Gowler and coxswain Caleb Shepherd were crowned world champions after taking first place in the A Final.

Today’s win marks the first occasion that New Zealand has won the women’s eight event at a World Rowing Championships.

“That was incredible! We trusted ourselves and we all couldn’t be happier with this result. Our plan was to stay focused and internal and we did just that.” Jackie Gowler

Quote supplied by World Rowing

Earlier this season the crew won gold at World Rowing Cup III, and the Remenham Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta. The crew are coached by Gary Hay.

Today’s win is particularly impressive for Prendergast and Gowler (Kerri), who also took gold in the women’s pair, and leave the regatta as double World Champions.

The top five nations in the women’s event qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. By placing first in the A Final, the New Zealand women’s eight boat class has qualified for Tokyo.

Women’s Double (W2x) - A Final - Gold

2018 silver medallists Olivia Loe and Brooke Donoghue took gold in the women’s double scull after an impressive regatta where they went unbeaten throughout heats and semi-finals.

Loe and Donoghue last competed internationally at Henley Royal Regatta where they won the Stonor Challenge Trophy. Earlier in the season Loe and Donoghue also won gold at World Rowing Cup II, their only 2019 World Rowing Cup. Loe and Donoghue are coached by James Coote.

“We really took control in the middle of the race and as we managed to hold our own and push towards the finish. That was always the plan. This title will be great for our confidence. We’ll look to keep improving towards the Olympics but I believe we’re in a good position.’’ Olivia Loe

Quote supplied by World Rowing

The top 11 nations in the women’s double qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. By qualifying for the A Final, the New Zealand women’s double boat class automatically qualified for Tokyo.

Women’s Single (W1x) - A Final - Silver

Contested by 39 athletes, the women’s single scull was an incredibly tough event. New Zealand’s Emma Twigg placed second in the women’s single A Final, taking silver.

“I knew it was going to be a real tough one out there. I know Sanita has some form, so I just had to be brave. I came up a little short today but it has been a great season.” Emma Twigg

Quote supplied by World Rowing

Earlier this season, Twigg won both World Rowing Cup II and III, as well as the Princess Royal Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta. Twigg is coached by Mike Rodger.

The top nine nations in the women’s single qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. By qualifying for the A Final, the New Zealand women’s single boat class automatically qualified for Tokyo.

Men’s Eight (M8+) - A Final

James Lassche, Hamish Bond, Shaun Kirkham, Mahe Drysdale, Brook Robertson, Phillip Wilson, Matt MacDonald, Stephen Jones and coxswain Sam Bosworth placed sixth in the men’s eight A Final, narrowly missing out on the last qualifying position for Tokyo 2020.

Earlier this season the crew won the Grand Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta and took bronze at World Rowing Cup III. The crew are coached by Tony O’Connor.

Men’s Single (M1x) - B Final

Robbie Manson placed first in the B Final of the men’s single scull. Manson is coached by Mike Rodger.

The top nine nations in the men’s single qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. By placing first in the B Final, the New Zealand men’s single boat class has qualified for Tokyo.

Men’s Double (M2x) - B Final

John Storey and Chris Harris placed second in the men’s double B Final. Storey and Harris are coached by Calvin Ferguson.

The top 11 nations in the men’s double qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. By placing second in the B Final, the New Zealand men’s double boat class has qualified for Tokyo.