Record Entry at 2007 World Rowing Championships
The International Rowing Federation (FISA) has received
entries from a record 68 nations for this year’s World
Rowing Championships which will take place at the famous 1972
Olympic Regatta Course in Oberschleissheim, near Munich, Germany
from 26 August to 2 September. A total of 1285 athletes racing
in 474 crews will take part in the pinnacle event of the 2007
rowing season.
This unusually high entry is due to several factors, according
to FISA President Denis Oswald: “Participation was always
going to be high at this year’s World Rowing Championships
as this is the 2008 Beijing Olympic qualification event. The
addition of “Paralympic” rowing has added to this
total as well. Munich’s Organising Committee has made
available free accommodation and meals for 150 rowers from
“developing” countries which is a huge help. The
venue in Munich is much appreciated among rowers; it is conveniently
located for international travellers and offers great permanent
facilities.”
The World Rowing season so far has been marked by the success
of China. Chinese rowing took 5 medals at the first Rowing
World Cup regatta and 10 medals at the second Rowing World
Cup regatta this season. With the results of the Junior Championships
last week, this could be the season of Chinese rowing’s
great leap forward. As this nation prepares for next year’s
Olympic Games, all eyes will be on those Chinese crews at
the World Rowing Championships.
The biggest team will be from the USA with 88 athletes. Germany
will represent their country on home water with 85 rowers.
Great Britain and Italy also bring big teams with 78 and 77
athletes respectively.
Thor Nilsen, FISA’s Development Director indicated
that he is very satisfied with the progress in universality
over the past Olympiad. Good results can be expected from
Cuba, Argentina and Chile which have been part of the development
programme for several years now. It is a first time participation
for Macedonia at this level and it is also very good to have
Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan taking part in Munich. Many countries
will also use this event as a first chance to qualify for
the 2008 Olympic Games, despite their regional qualifying
events being held later this year or in early 2008.
Adaptive rowing is also high on the agenda this year. All
four existing adaptive boat classes will be represented, and
62 crews have entered – an impressive 50 per cent increase
over 2006 participation.
The Opening Ceremony for the 2007 World Rowing Championships
will take place on Saturday 25 August at 18:00 hrs CET. Racing
begins on Sunday 26 August at 9:30 hrs. with A Group heats.
Semifinals and A Finals will be broadcast on several channels
world-wide including ARD/ZDF (Germany), Eurosport, BBC (Great
Britain), F2/F3 (France), Estonian TV, RAI (Italy), CT4 (Czech
Republic), NRK (Norway), SLO2 (Slovenia), Belarus, NOS (the
Netherlands), Russia (RTR), Romania, Sky New Zealand, CBC
Canada, Fox Sport Australia, CCTV China. Check local TV listings
for exact broadcast times.
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