Kirsty Coventry has held the world’s top sports official position for only a few days. For her first sports event since taking office, she couldn’t have chosen a better place. On Sunday, as throughout the entire weekend, the Rotsee showed itself in its best possible light.
The former swimming star arrived with her family the evening before. She moved freely around the venue without security guards and came across as approachable. “I love watching the athletes,” she told Switzerlands national broadcaster SRF. “Everyone I’ve met so far has a big smile and says this is one of their favourite regattas of the year.” She was accompanied during her visit by Swiss Olympic President Ruth Metzler-Arnold, Organising Committee President Mario Gyr, and Jean-Christophe Rolland, President of the World Rowing Federation.
Only Three Nations Win Multiple Gold Medals
Competition was very even in the Olympic boat classes. Eight nations shared the twelve gold medals, and only Romania (3), Great Britain, and Germany (2 each) claimed more than one victory. Particularly notable was Lauren Henry’s clear win in the single sculls. The British rower, who won Olympic gold in the quadruple sculls in Paris and has since received an MBE back home, finished almost 3.5 seconds ahead of Ireland’s Fiona Murtagh.
Timon Wernas: “It Was a Top Weekend”
Regatta Director Timon Wernas was pleased on Sunday afternoon. “It was a top weekend. Everything went smoothly, conditions were fair, and we were able to try out many things. As always, we saw world-class sport, and the IOC President’s visit was a big highlight. The estimated 12,000 spectators over the weekend show once again how big rowing is in Lucerne. This was another perfect showcase for the 2027 Rowing World Championships.”