The Aussie Lightweight Four just missed a spot in the A final in a hotly contested event at the World Champiobships. With major injury problems post selecttion this crew was always going to have a tough time in one of the most competitive categories. The crew had to be changed after selection and still could not train in their race combination until the eve of their departure for Europe.
Left with having to finish top five in the B Final to qualify for the 2004 Olympics the crew took to the task to win the B Final going away.
For this race report , once again, we are indebted to Michael Wilson and Rowing Australia.
Men’s Lightweight Four: Lane 3 Robert Mitchell (TAS), Glen Loftus (WA); Simon Burgess, Tim O’Callaghan (NSW/AIS) required to finish 1st to 5th for Olympic qualification Australia got a good start as did the Russians. At 500 gone Russia led by half a canvas to Australia with Spain a very close 3rd. The 2nd 500 Russia were still in front as Spain passed Australia but there was not much in the top three with 1000 to go. A big 3rd 500 by Australia saw them pass both Spain and Russia and they hit the 1500 with a half a canvas. The last 500 Australia were flying, rowing away from the field and Athens bound. Across the line Australia win by over a length to a very fast finishing USA. Well done guys – boat qualified. That makes all men’s crews qualified for next year?s Olympics.