Young rowers return sporting three golds
Young Greek rowers had an impressive World Under-23 Championship in Strathclyde, Scotland, from July 26 to 29, coming home with three gold medals and several promises for the future. Alexandra Tsiavou kept the lightweight single-skulls title she won in Belgium last year, with a comfortable victory in the final finishing more than four seconds ahead of Coralie Simon of France. Tsiavou enjoys senior experience as last year she won bronze at the World Rowing Championship. Yiannis Tsilis and Giorgos Tziallas also won gold in the Men’s pairs, finishing two seconds ahead of the Italians and three ahead of the British. Last year in Belgium they had finished second, but this year they were worthy winners. Asked whether this marked the end of their season, ahead of an Olympic year in 2008, Tsilis answered: «We still have the World Championships in Munich. My partner and I will compete in the coxless men’s pair. So no, it’s not over for us yet!» Greece’s third gold came in the lightweight four, with brothers Nikos and Apostolos Goudoulas, Apostolos Kourkoubas and Vangelis Tsourtsoulas. They crossed the finishing line in a time of 6 mins, 4.10 secs, just four-tenths of a second ahead of the Austrians. «There were big waves, it was a big race – Munich next!» said a happy Tsourtsoulas. The Munich World Championship will be held from August 26 to September 2.
