Annabelle McIntyre’s rowing campaign begins with Olympic best time

Annabelle McIntyre is off to a fast start in her first Olympic Campaign with an Olympic best time in the women’s four.

At 9:30 Tokyo time, 2019 world championship silver medallist McIntyre and Jessica Morrison (Victoria) lined up in their pair heat posting a time of 7:21.75 to easily book a spot in the semifinal on Tuesday

Two hours later and the 24-year-old was back on the water at the Sea Forest Waterway, this time in the women’s four. With Morrison, Lucy Stephan and Rosemary Popa, McIntyre set the fastest ever time at the Olympic Games in 6:28.76 to move directly in to the final where they will chase gold on Wednesday.

McIntyre and Morrison are the only Australian rowers to compete in more than one event, with the boats confirming their status as gold medal contenders in their opening races.

In other competition Josh Hicks is through to the men’s pair semifinal with Sam Hardy following a convincing win in their heat.

Weather conditions saw organisers bring forward the women’s eight with Bronwyn Cox and Giorgia Patten finishing third in their heat and proceeding to the repechage.