Scullers Miss Out On A Semis Berth
Sydney Morning Herald
Thursday August 26, 1999
The Australian rowing squad suffered its first casualty of the World Championships at St Catharines yesterday when the men's double sculls failed to advance to the semi-finals after finishing fourth in the repechage event.
However, the squad remains in a strong position, with four more boats advancing to the semis.
Single scullers Gina Douglas and James Burton cruised into the semi-finals early in the day, each expending minimal energy to finish in second place.
Some concerns surrounded the form of Douglas before her race, following a sub-par performance in the first heat of the championship. But coach Noel Donaldson revealed that a ``frank conversation" with her had helped her make a strong recovery, which saw her lead for the majority of the race over Canada's Marni McBean, before easing up when assured of a semis berth.
McBean, on the other hand, looked far more fatigued at the conclusion of the race, a fact which may work against her later in the week.
Burton, too, impressed with his performance, finishing 3.85s behind Slovakian Jan Ziska, but over seven seconds ahead of his next nearest rival.
However, the main disappointment of the day was to follow, with the inexperienced mens' double sculls of Matthew O'Callaghan and Jonathon Fievez eliminated from finals contention, following a fourth place finish in the repechage.
After a sluggish start, the Australians were in last place at the 1,000m mark, but promptly forced their way back into contention at the 1,500m.
Unfortunately, the effort expended in that stretch took its toll in the closing stages, with Denmark, the USA and Estonia taking out the major placings.
The double scull crew has one last chance to qualify for the Olympics next year, with yesterday's result adding a degree of difficulty to their hopes of competing at the Games in Sydney.
``Obviously, it is disappointing", Rowing Australia head coach Brian Richardson said. ``They're a young crew who struggled in the competition."
But the news was brighter in other events, with lightweight single scullers Karl Barker and Kisa Lamshed joining Douglas and Burton in the semi-finals.
``That was heaps better than the heat," Douglas said.
``I could ease up a bit over the last half of the course, while Marni really pushed herself in the last 500 metres. I took a lot of confidence out of that."
Coach Donaldson said: ``We had a frank discussion nothing was held back and I think she benefited from that honest approach."
Australia have now qualified 13 boats for the semi-finals, including medal favourites the men's pair and coxless four.
© 1999 Sydney Morning Herald