Heavyweight Rowers Bring Home Gold and Silver from World U23 Championships

RACICE, Czech Republic — Three former and current members of the Dartmouth men's heavyweight rowing team competed in the World Rowing Under 23 Championships over the weekend with each one bringing home a medal.

Representing his home country of Canada, recently graduated Liam Keane brought home the gold in the Men's Four. Junior Jacob Hudgins and sophomore William Bender, the latter hailing from just across the Connecticut River from Dartmouth College in Norwich, Vermont, helped the United States eight secure the silver.

Ireland recorded the fastest time in the semifinals of the men's four and raced in the middle lane flanked by Canada and Great Britain. Into the middle of the race, Ireland had a slight lead, and eventually it was stroke for stroke between them and the Canadians.

In the final 500 meters, Canada — comprised of Keane, Adam Krol, Jack Walkey and Peter Lancashire — surged into the lead and moved away from the pack, winning in a time of 5:56.68. Ireland was off the pace by a couple of seconds (5:58.66) with Great Britain right behind in 6:02.01.

Wrapping up the regatta, the United States looked to be the favored boat, having posted the fastest qualifying time earlier in the week during the heats. Great Britain also won its heat and was poised to go head-to-head with the U.S.

It was Germany that jumped out to an early lead, however, taking a slim lead at the 500-meter mark. Italy then pulled ahead and tried to break away, but the United States (5:34.55) grabbed the lead in the final part of the race only to fall to Great Britain (5:34.34) by barely two-tenths of a second. Germany claimed third, followed by Italy, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic.

The Big Green rowing team will return to the water Oct. 23 at the Head of the Charles.