London Olympian Lindsay Jennerich added national gold to her 2014 season as the top women’s singles boat at the National Rowing Championships held at Elk Lake, Nov. 7 to 9.
Jennerich and doubles partner Patricia Obee pulled in silver at the 2014 World Rowing Championships. But on Sunday, they were split, with Jennerich getting the upper hand, less than five seconds ahead of Obee, while the latter was less than one second ahead of Teresa Berkholtz (bronze).
“It was a good weekend overall,” Jennerich said. “I think we are doing the right things in the lead up to Rio.”
The championships drew rowers and para-rowers from across the country including six silver medalists from the 2012 London Games and a bronze medalist from the 2008 Beijing Games.
The National Rowing Championships are a small boat regatta and as such, all of the athletes race in pairs or singles. Because of limitations at Elk Lake, athletes raced a 1,850-meter course weekend, 150 meters short of the 2,000 meter Olympic distance.
Another finish of note is Rob Gibson, a silver medalist with the men’s heavyweight eight in London, 2012, as the Saanich-based athlete won gold in the men’s heavyweight single on his home lake.
Next summer’s schedule anchors on the all-important Olympic qualifying regatta for the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
reporter@saanichnews.com
