Millie Griffin (ACT) has charged into the knockout rounds of the Women's Solo event at the Youth Olympic Games, qualifying directly into the Last 16 after finishing fifth-fastest in the time trial.
Competing in the first Youth Olympic Games to feature Beach Sprint rowing, Griffin opened the program with Australia’s strongest result on day one. Racing in tough, choppy conditions in Saly, Senegal, she finished fifth overall, securing her spot in the knockout rounds.
“It was a bit messy, but I definitely put down the best performance I could, putting together all the pieces I’ve been working on,” Griffin said.
“All the racing has been so much fun. It’s been such a good experience so far and I’m sure there’s a lot more to come.”
Griffin then teamed up with Alex Watt (QLD) in the Mixed Double Sculls, where they finished 10th in the first time trial to narrowly miss out on direct qualification to the knockout rounds. Unperturbed, Griffin and Watt produced a solid performance in the second time trial to finish third and secure qualification into the Last 16 where they faced France.
Photo: Millie Griffin and Alex Watt competing in the Mixed Double Sculls at the Youth Olympic Games
Despite another solid performance, Griffin and Watt were unable to overcome the French duo and were knocked out in the Last 16.
“We definitely put down the best race we could have. We put everything together and it happens that France did it a bit quicker,” Griffin said.
On their performance, Watt said, “Regardless of the rankings, I think we had a really good race. It’s our first time racing internationally as a double and I think we did a really good job.”
In the Men's Solo, Watt finished 25th and 19th in the first and second time trials respectively, missing out on progression into the knockout rounds. With his racing now complete, Watt was grateful for the opportunity to represent the green and gold and excited for the opportunities ahead.
“After this, and seeing how fun it is in this sport, I’m definitely going to keep training and hopefully try and make LA28 or, if not, Brisbane 2032.”
Griffin will continue her Youth Olympic Games campaign and is scheduled to contest her Women's Solo Last 16 clash against Viktoriia Radchenko (UKR) on 2 November at 22:05 AEDT.
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Photo Credit: Australian Olympic Committee