British four make their mark
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Rowing
HUGH MATHESON
reports from Tampere, Finland
The revamped British lightweight four won their opening heat at the World Championships here with handsome efficiency. After finishing fourth in Lucerne, and without a significant win throughout the summer, this crew are under pressure to perform, because they are the only lightweight outfit with a chance of racing at next year's Atlanta Olympics.
The four of Toby Hessian, Tom Kay and Steven Ellis, from last year's victorious eight, and Ian Watson, from the world-record breaking coxless four, were the first to be selected from the huge list of successful British lightweights but in contrast to the eight, packed with men who felt they might have been chosen and have been consistently the best in Europe, the four have failed to make the same mark.
Britain face stiff competition from a field of 27 in one of three lightweight events being included in the Olympic Games for the first time. They were the slowest of the six heat winners yesterday. There will be three semi- finals of six boats, each with two from each race progressing to the A and B finals respectively. Crews who reach the top 12 are guaranteed an Olympic place.
The new lightweight double of Andy Sinton and Carl Smith had a good first international race since their formation in July, finishing second to Sweden. The British were slow off the start and crabbed when they hit a pair of buoys in the third 500 metres but they closed well in the last quarter taking over two seconds from the leaders.
Smith said: "It's a strong event but we know that we could have taken the Swedes today; our sculls were geared a little lightly and we got left at the start. We can correct that, and another race in the repechage will help us more than the others."
The men's eight also opened their account in style in the fastest heat with last year's winners, the United States, and Germany. The British eight, stroked by Richard Rogers, were fastest in the second 500m, and dropped Italy in the third 500m, to secure a place in the semi-final.
Nicky Dale and Trish Corless were fourth in their heat of the lightweight double sculls, the third new Olympic event.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments