August 31, 2019 – Linz-Ottensheim, Austria
IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Canada wins bronze on Day 7 at the World Rowing Championships in Linz, Austria with a running total of 5 Olympic boats qualified for Tokyo 2020. 

Hillary Janssens (Cloverdale, BC) and Caileigh Filmer (Victoria, BC)

won the bronze medal today in the Women’s Pair (7:26.52) behind World Best Time holders Prendergast and Gowler of New Zealand (7:21.35) and Morrison and McIntyre of Australia (7:23.62). This was the first international event for the Canadian Pair, qualifying the boat for Tokyo 2020 in the A/B semifinals.

“We knew we had a really good shot, but we haven’t been tested yet against Australia, New Zealand and the USA,” shared Janssens. “Caileigh did a really good job calling that race and staying calm the whole time. We left it all out there and we are super proud of what we accomplished today.”

Janssens and Filmer head straight back for recovery and preparation for the Women’s Eight A Final tomorrow at 9:00amET/6:00amPT. New Zealand and Australia are also doubling up in the Women’s Pair and Eight.

“Doing two events this week has been super tough, but we are really excited for the Eight tomorrow. We have 6 pairs of fresh legs behind us and we have such an amazing team. I know we can get the job done.”

The Men’s Pair of Conlin McCabe (Brockville, ON) and Kai Langerfeld (Vancouver, BC) raced the B Final with five Olympic qualification spots on the line. The bronze medallists from the 2019 World Cup 2 powered down the course with clear intention, crossing the finish line in 2^nd place, only 0.63 seconds behind Serbia. McCabe and Langerfeld secure Canada’s first Tokyo qualification of the men’s program.

“We had three races that were do or die and if you mess it up, the Olympics are on the line,” said Langerfeld. “It feels really good to get the job done. We have a world-class program and we know we are one of the fastest pairs in the world. We demonstrated that multiple times over the week.”

Although this is first year racing in the Pair together, these two exceptional rowers are no stranger to international success. McCabe winning silver in London 2012 in the men’s eight and both winning gold at the 2015 Pan American Games. 

“We’ve rowed together at the National training centre since 2013 and we have very high standards each and every day,” said McCabe. “We’ve earned each other’s trust and respect and that pays off in the boat.”

Canada also secured an Olympic berth in the Women’s Four event with Madison Mailey (Burnaby, BC), Sydney Payne (Toronto, ON), Jennifer Martins (Toronto, ON), and Stephanie Grauer (Vancouver, BC) racing to 2^nd place finish in the B Final.

“I am so proud of our boat and what we overcame and accomplished this year,” shared Mailey. “Words can’t really describe what I am personally feeling but it definitely feels good to be rewarded for our efforts. Steph, Jen, Syd and I have worked tirelessly, and it has been an absolute pleasure being in the boat with them.

The Women’s Four will be raced in Tokyo as an Olympic event for the first time since 1992.

“Big thanks to our coach Gavin and Head Coach Dave for motivating us through the grind all year. Tokyo, get ready for Canada!”

Both the Men’s and Women’s lightweight doubles contested their B Finals, demonstrating that they are certainly among the best lightweight rowers in the world. With only one remaining Olympic berth available in the B final in both events, the Canadians left no stone unturned. Jill Moffatt (Bethany, ON) and Jennifer Casson (Kingston, ON) finished 2^nd in 7:13.65 and 8^th overall. Maxwell Lattimer (Delta, BC) and Patrick Keane (Victoria, BC) placed 3^rd in 6:33.19 and 9^th overall.

Jeremy Hall (St. Paul, AB) and Jessye Brockway (Mill Bay, BC) wrapped up their World Championships in 11^th overall.
 
“This event has illustrated that we have a lot of work to do for next year, but it was a good start,” explains Brockway. “There has been so much learning all week. Jeremy has been so helpful and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

Canada has qualified five boats for Tokyo on the eve of the final day of racing with one more opportunity in the Women’s eight (Top 5).

Tomorrow, Canada will race in the following A Finals: Women’s Double, Women’s Single, and Women’s Eight. B Finals will be contested by the Men’s Eight and the PR1 Men’s Single and the men’s Double will race in the C Final. Check worldrowing.com for full schedule.

Live streaming available at CBC Sports online and World Rowing.

Photos of Team Canada (copyright Rowing Canada Aviron) can be viewed here.

To receive live event updates and results via whatsapp for Finals starting on Friday, join the group here. (phone and whatsapp required)

The 2019 World Rowing Championships Qualification System for Tokyo 2020 can be found here.