With the conclusion of the World cup for 2003, Australia has had one of their most successful regattas in recent years. Both Senior and U/23 teams have been successful and produced outstanding results. A large number of SUBC athletes played major roles in these results and performed well through out the entire regatta.
Tim O?Callaghan (Light Men?s Four), finished in 6th place in the A final. This was this crew’s first race since coming together in June and with sickness and injuries interrupting their preparation for this regatta, with more preparation will improve their results significantly for the World Championships in Milan. Italy won the Final in a time of 5.51.95, over Canada 2nd place in a time of 5.51.97 and Denmark coming in 3rd pace in a time of 5.52.23.
Francis Hegerty, Tim Williams, Mike Valli and Matt Ryan (U/23 Men?s Eight), finished a creditable third place in the B Final. The winner was Great Britain in a time of 5.32.82, over France in a time of 5.35.41, with the Australian U/23 crew coming in 3rd place in a time of 5.37.52. Eighteen crews contested this category, and the guys were ranked 9th overall. Considering the eight was the only under age crew racing in this regatta, it highlights the crews potential.
Nick Hudson (U/23 Quad Scull) finished in an exciting fourth place in the B Final. This too was a solid performance from the U/23 crew. The quad scull is traditionally one of the toughest races to contest. From the Heat to the Final the quad performed consistently and showed some promising speed. The Australian Senior Quad won the B Final in a time of 5.48.51, with France coming in second in a time of 5.49.66 and with the Swiss finishing in third place, in a time of 5.50.20
Kyeema Doyle (Women?s Coxless Four), won gold in a time of 6.30.74, with the Netherlands coming in 2nd in a time of 6.33.99 and Germany finished in 3rd place in a time of 6.34.06. This was a straight final, with only six entries, three Australian crews, Netherlands, Germany and China. Kyeema also raced later in the day in the women?s eight, which finished in 4th place behind Romania, Germany and Canada.
Bronwyn Watson (Women?s Lightweight Coxless Quad Scull), kicked off her first senior international representation in fine form, winning gold. This is a category that Australia has dominated for the past three years and will aim to continue this year in Milan. The quad finished first in a time of 6.29.67, with the Netherlands coming in a length behind the Aussie girls for 2nd in a time of 6.31.09 and Germany taking out 3rd place in a time of 6.33.01.
All crews now go onto team training camps based all over Europe. Based on the results achieved in Luzern, the future regattas for these crews? look very promising. Keep up to date with all the news by regularly checking the news page.