NEW CANAAN, Conn. Norwalk's Maritime Rowing Club Alums competing at the U-23 World Championships in Amsterdam, won their heats Thursday and will go on to compete in Friday's quarterfinals.
New Canaan's Andrew Campbell, competing in the Men's Lightweight Single Sculls, led the fifth heat off the start, and stayed a half boat length ahead of Czech Repubilcs Martin Mikysek through the middle thousand.
According to www.usrowing.org, Campbell continued to control the race into the final stretch, holding off Austrias late charge to cross first in a 7:46.78. Austria blew through Czech Republic for second in a 7:51.19. Czech Republic qualified for the quarterfinal in the third remaining spot, posting a 7:59.09 to Georgias 8:07.53.
Ben Dann from Pound Ridge,won his heat to advance to Fridays quarterfinals of the Mens single sculls. With 28 competitors, the event is the largest of the championships.
Dann was conservative off the start, but kept his opponents in view as he maintained the lead over the course of the race. He won in 7:37.52 to Italys 7:41.52. The next three scullers took it to the wire to determine the last two quarterfinals slots. Denmark (7:43.96) and Croatia (7:44.16) edged out Norways 7:44.50.
A record 63 nations and more than 800 athletes have entered the 21 events at this years event. Formerly known as the Nation's Cup and the Match des Seniors, 2011 marks the seventh year that the Under 23 regatta has held World Rowing Championship status. The event, which started in 1976, acts as a stepping stone for elite athletes in the U.S. For results and link to live audio go to www.row2k.com/results. Live racing video will be streamed at www.roei.tv. For complete media guide and athlete bios, visit http://www.usrowing.org
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