In a first for New Zealand, the Kiwi women’s eight won gold overnight in Linz, Austria, booking their spot at Tokyo 2020.

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.

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

Photo credit: Rowing NZ

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

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.

2018 silver medallists Olivia Loe (Canterbury) 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

Photo credit: Rowing NZ

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

Article added: Thursday 26 September 2019