On the first day of the Paris 2024 Paralympic rowing regatta, one of three Rowsellas crews secured a direct spot in Final A with the rest racing in tomorrow’s repechages.
Despite a racing delay due to thunderstorms, the PR3 Mixed Double Sculls crew advanced to Sunday evening's final, setting a Paralympic Best Time of 7:11.30.
Nikki Ayers and Jed Altschwager dominated their heat, finishing nearly 13 seconds ahead of their French competitors.
By the 700m mark, they had open water and continued to pull away with every stroke.
The duo will rest tomorrow before competing for the gold medal on Sunday.
In the PR1 Men’s Single Scull, Erik Horrie OAM finished a strong third and will compete in the repechage tomorrow evening, needing a top-two finish to progress to Final A.
The PR3 Mixed Coxed Four closed out the day for the Rowsellas, finishing third behind France.
After a blistering start, Toby Goffsassen, Tom Birtwhistle, Al Viney, Susannah Lutze, and coxswain, Hannah Cowap showed great promise, staying close to the USA, the 2024 World Rowing Cup III silver medalists for the first 1000m of the race.
The four will race in the repechage tomorrow, vying for the final spot in Final A.
AUGUST 31 - DAY TWO SCHEDULE:
PR1 Men’s Single Sculls Repechage 2 – 18:30 AEST
PR3 Mixed Coxed Four Repechage – 19:50 AEST
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The full Para-Rowing schedule and results can be found here: Paris 2024 Para Rowing