Twigg Sets Season Benchmark Beating World Champ

Upset by fast-finishing New Zealand rival Emma Twigg in a thrilling Sydney International Rowing Regatta final, sculling world champion England’s Kim Crow says she’ll become a smarter tactician.

Crow looked set to cruise to her 15th straight victory in the single sculls since taking bronze at the London Olympics but tired badly over the final 300m as a heavy week of racing took its toll at Penrith Lakes.

Napier-born Twigg, who finished second to the Victorian at last year’s world titles in South Korea, powered home to pip her on the line with the last stroke of the 2000m.

The New Zealander won by 0.14 seconds in the closest race of the final day, and Crow cut an exhausted and shattered figure beyond the finish line.

“I was totally spent after the race, and Emma was phenomenal out there and I think we’ll be pushing each other all season as it progresses,” Crow said.

“It’s good to know the benchmark this early the season.”

Original article by Australian Associated Press, The Guardian, March 30, 2014.

Photo by Photosport.