Cox and McIntyre Win World Championship Silver
WA rowers Bronwyn Cox and Annabelle McIntyre have returned a silver medal performance in the women’s pair final at the U23 World Rowing Championships in Bulgaria.
The 20 year-olds who were making their U23 international debut capitalised on a mistake from the Danish crew to storm home for second place, ahead of the stricken Danes and USA, behind world champions Chile.
In an absorbing final, five crews were fighting for three podium positions. Chile eventually created a race winning lead, but it was in the positions behind that the drama would unfold.
Cox and McIntyre appeared to be in a head to head battle for bronze, with the Aussies in fourth place nearing the red buoys. However, with Denmark catching a crab, Cox was wise to the fact and the Aussies surged to the line to elevate themselves two places and onto the world championship dais for silver.
Cox admitted post-race that once the opportunity had availed itself, it was a case of full-throttle to the line.
“We weren’t really sure what would happen today, but stuff like that (catching a crab) can happen. As soon as I saw it, I shouted to Annabelle ‘GO’, and we pretty much ditched the technique and went for it!”
The girls’ success contributed to a three medal haul for Australia, with the U23 men’s four winning a world title and the U23 women’s four adding another silver.
Deputy Performance Director, Jaime Fernandez said: “It is extremely pleasing to see Australia finish this World Rowing U23 Championships with a World Championship winning crew, two silver medallists and six out of the seven crews making A-Finals at the regatta.
“Congratulations to all the team, including the coaches, support staff and all those associated with the respective athletes, all of whom worked so diligently with our crews not only during their international preparation but also throughout the season in preparation for this regatta.
“Our Pathways Team, including Head Coach Lyall McCarthy, Sports Science Lead Dr Tony Rice and Pathways coordinator Naomi Wagstaff have worked hard with our state-based pathway partners, including clubs, State Institutes and Academies of Sport and our Member Associations to ensure we had the best possible team competing in Bulgaria.”
WAIS coach Rhett Ayliffe oversaw the women’s pair silver success, whilst WA club coach Antonio Maurogiovanni signed-off on his Australian coaching tenure in style, by leading the men’s four to their world title triumph. Maurogiovanni is set to take up a coaching role with the Irish national rowing team.
WA athlete Sam Marsh competed as a member of the Australian men’s coxed four crew that raced in the A-Final for fifth place behind world champions Romania.
Photos: Copyright Rowing Australia
Annabelle McIntyre | 20 – Hamilton Hill | Fremantle Rowing Club
Bronwyn Cox | 20 – Wembley | University of WA Rowing Club
Sam Marsh | 21 – Scarborough | Swan River Rowing Club