Thursday, July 29, 2021

Canada's women's eight rowing crew captures Olympic gold for 1st time in 29 years

Zack Smart 

© Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press Canadian rowers Lisa Roman, Kasia Gruchalla-Wesierski, Christine Roper, Andrea Proske, Susanne Grainger, Madison Mailey, Sydney Payne, Avalon Wasteneys and Kristen Kit powered their way to a gold in the women's eight final…

Canada's women's eight crew captured gold on the final day of Olympic rowing at the Sea Forest Waterway in Tokyo on Friday, winning the event for the first time in 29 years.

New Zealand claimed silver, finishing ahead of bronze winners China.

The Canadians pulled into the lead and continued to accelerate beyond the pack after a great start, making it clear the crew was bound for the podium.

Canada found itself leading after the first 1,000 metres ahead of Australia and New Zealand, and relentless momentum propelled the unstoppable Canadian boat as the race progressed. Medal favourite Romania fell out of the picture entirely.

The determined Canadians set an unmatchable pace with their lead continuing to grow through 1,500 metres.

New Zealand powered into second and attempted to make a late push, while the Chinese crew also began to make their move, coming seemingly out of nowhere to storm into bronze position.

It was a moment of redemption for returning Olympians Susanne Grainger, Lisa Roman and Christine Roper, who have now helped lead Canada to Olympic glory along with Kristen Kit, Sydney Payne, Madison Mailey, Kasia Gruchalla-Wesierski, Avalon Wasteneys and Andrea Proske.

The only other Olympic gold for Canada in women's eight came at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992, their first time reaching the Olympic podium. Canada's crew enjoyed continued success with silver in 1996 and bronze in 2000.

Canada claimed silver in the women's eight event at the 2012 London Olympics before missing the podium in Rio with a fifth place finish.

No comments: