With her surprising victory at the World Cup finals on the Rotsee, Alexandra Föster saved the German rowers from a botched dress rehearsal at the European Championships. Things didn’t go so well for the eighth.
Only after the race did Alexandra Föster run out of breath. The brilliant final spurt to the surprising one-man victory in the World Cup final in Lucerne took its toll. While her competitors received silver and bronze, the top step remained empty. “It took me a moment to get physically fit again. I didn’t rest and gave everything”, the 20-year-old commented on her abstinence on the Siegersteg. With her tour de force across the Rotsee, the rowing talent from Meschede ensured the only DRV victory in the 14 Olympic boat classes on Sunday and stole the show even from the eight.
At the 1,500 meter mark, Föster was still in fourth place, but in the finish she overtook her baffled opponents Tara Rigney (Australia) and Jeanine Gmelin (Switzerland). Even minutes after the race, the circulation caused problems and only stabilized after the award ceremony. That could not diminish the pride of the gold medal that was presented belatedly. With shining eyes, Föster reviewed her coup in the circle of the world elite: “That was cool. During the race I only concentrated on myself and didn’t even realize that I was in front.”
Eighth to third place
On the other hand, the Germany eight strayed from the road to success compared to the win in Poznan three weeks ago. Like many other boats, the upcoming upheaval after the Olympics is also causing problems for the DRV flagship. The crew around batsman Mattes Schönherr (Potsdam) had to settle for third place in the final behind the superior Brits and the team from Australia.
“In the end we didn’t have much left in the tank and managed to get to the finish line. But it’s good that we made it onto the podium. Overall, this weekend didn’t go as hoped.”known helmsman Jonas Wiesen (Treis-Karden).
Marc Weber, who replaced the ill Oliver Zeidler in the men’s skiff, ensured another podium finish. With third place, the Marburger remained well above expectations. “I never thought”enthused Weber, “I came here completely naïve.”
DRV by far the best in the world
In many other boat classes, however, the world class is alarmingly far away. In the final, the women’s quadruple sculls, a figurehead of the association for many years, were more than eleven seconds behind winner China. The DRV was not even represented in seven finals. DRV head trainer Brigitte Bielig asked for patience: “We are in a state of upheaval and have a large number of U23 rowers who need to be introduced. It’s a bit more long-term.”
A lot of work remains before the European Championships from August 11th to 14th on the 1972 Olympic course. Bielig wants from the results of Lucerne “Nomination conclusions for EM and WM” draw. The World Championships will take place in Racice, Czech Republic, from September 18th to 25th.