European Championship increase, Olympic hope
Germany’s eight missed the gold medal by centimeters
April 27, 2024, 7:15 p.m
Silver won, gold lost: The German eight can improve after a weak first appearance at the European Championships in Szeged and only have to admit defeat to Great Britain. The flagship of the German Rowing Association celebrates its own “heart’s will” – and looks positively to Paris.
The Germany eight won silver at the European Championships in Szeged, Hungary. In the tough test on the way to the Olympic Games in Paris, the flagship of the German Rowing Association (DRV) led by batsman Hannes Ocik was only beaten by Great Britain. After the weak track distribution race on Thursday, the German team improved and gained self-confidence on the way to Paris.
It was almost enough to win the title. After 1500 meters the DRV boat had pushed closer to the British, but the favorites countered. At the finish, he was half a length behind the world champion. Romania came third.
“We showed heartfelt will,” said Max John. Ocik was satisfied after the weak fourth place in the track distribution race: “We had to be hard on ourselves and showed a good reaction. This race makes you want more and motivates you for the future.”
Women’s double sculls take bronze
The women’s double sculls with Maren Völz, Lisa Gutfleisch, Leonie Menzel and Pia Greiten had previously won the first German medal in Szeged. They came third behind the European champions from Great Britain and Ukraine. However, Paul Leerkamp and Arno Gaus, who came last in the final of the lightweight double sculls, missed out on a medal.
There are further German medal chances on the final day of the European Championships, Oliver Zeidler is the big favorite for gold in the single sculls. The two-time European champion confidently reached the final on Sunday (2:10 p.m.). In the semifinals he also beat Olympic champion Stefanos Ntouskos (Greece). Alexandra Föster also rowed in the single final (13.54). Jonas Gelsen and Marc Weber also have a chance of winning medals in the double sculls (13.39).
Behind the eight are several years of upheaval, numerous disappointments and painful setbacks. The Szeged silver race was one of the strongest since second place at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and provides momentum for preparation for the Summer Games in Paris (July 26-August 11).