#IOLYMPICS - More frustration for rowers

Another frustrating day at the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, which saw the rowing programme postponed for the second time this week.

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Another frustrating day at the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, which saw the rowing programme postponed for the second time this week, could lead to the cancellation of some events if there is anymore inclement weather in the Olympic city.

After Sunday’s entire programme was cancelled due to heavy gusts of wind, yesterday strong winds accompanied by rain put paid to the schedule once more. Rowing organisers will be praying that the relatively calm forecast for the next three days proves to be accurate as they seek to complete their programme.

The latest the programme can finish is Sunday afternoon local time, which is when the course is reconfigured for the canoeing competition.

All five South African boats will be in action Thursday, with the highlight being Shaun Keeling and Lawrence Brittain’s challenge in the final of the Men’s Pair which is scheduled to start at 3.44pm (Central African Time).

The other four South African boats are all involved in semi-finals. The first to take to the water will be Kate Christowitz and Lee-Anne Persse in the Women’s Pair at 1.30pm. They recorded the fifth fastest time in the heats and if they can show even a small improvement, they should qualify for the final.

South Africa’s big hopes in the regatta are the two Lightweight Double sculls boats. The women’s team of Kirsten McCann and Ursula Grobler take to the water at 1.50pm (CAT) and having won their heat comfortably will be confident of qualifying for the final, where a medal is certainly within touching distance for them.

James Thompson and John Smith, who know exactly what it’s like to have an Olympic gold medal around their necks - having been part of the Lightweight Fours team in London four years ago - will row in the second semi-final at 2.20pm. They dominated their Heat and will be one of the favourites for the final should they get through on Thursday.

The Mens Four; David Hunt, Jonty Smith, Vince Breet and Jake Green - take to the water at 2.30pm (CAT) in the first semifinal of their category.

Should all four South African teams make it into their respective finals, they will race on Friday - weather permitting of course. - Independent Media