U23 World Championships

This U23 Worlds was amazing with a total of 19 new world records by the end of Sunday. Of course I support France and USA all the way with the occasional cheer for SA boats, who both did very well. Lets go through all podium spots:

-France: Not only did Jérémie AZOU take first place in the lightweight single ahead of Greece and USA, but also now holds the new world record. In the lightweight men's 2x, Alexandre PILAT and Damien PIQUERAS took second place behind the Germans who stole the world record title. The lightweight women's 4x with  Chloé POUMAILLOUX, finished second behind the chinese. Also for silver, the men's  lightweight 4- had a great race. For the bronze, the men's 4+ finished with a great last 500m.
Both AZOU and POUMAILLOUX are re-selected for Bled.

-USA: Mike Teti's men's 8+ finished not only with goal but a new world record title. This boat consisted of rowers from the top successful college programs around the U.S. and it definitely showed. Grace LUCZAK and Felice MUELLER first won gold and a new world record, which MUELLER set last year) and then finished with bronze in the women's 8+. Another bronze (men's lightweight single) was achieved by the remarkable Andrew CAMPBELL who obtained a bronze last year at Junior Worlds and then went on to become part of the Harvard Lights this year.

This was definitely an exciting regatta, and sets the mood for Senior Worlds!

PS: A year to go until London 2012!!!