Yulia Bichik and Tatiana Kukhta on the highest step of the medal podium
Yulia Bichik and Tatiana Kukhta have achieved the greatest success: the Belarusian sculling crew finished first, followed by the Germans; the Czech sportswomen were third. In an interview for the official FISA website, Tatiana Kukhta commented, “It is very exciting to become a European champion. The race was difficult. We had no other strategy except not throwing our oars and making mistakes.” Yulia Bichik is a double Olympic bronze medallist (as a member of the rowing team); she’s won 10 medals in different rowing classes at world and European championships. In turn, Ms. Kukhta’s collection includes 6 awards won in the continent championships, including two gold medals.
Silver finish by men’s four
In Brandenburg, the men’s coxed fours captured silver: Vadim Lyalin, Denis Migal, Nikolay Sharlap and Igor Pashkevich came behind the British team. Bronze went to France.
Among the women’s singles, Yekaterina Karsten came fourth — 1.31 seconds behind the bronze winner. Our men’s eight with cox were close to winning a medal; according to the photo finish, our team equalled the British time. In the preliminary race, the British team had gained a higher place and so received the medals. Among the men’s singles, Stanislav Shcherbachenya came fifth, while our women’s doubles finished eight and men’s doubles were sixth.
In the medal rankings, Belarus was placed fifth. Overall, rowers from 34 states took part.
By Kirill Karin
