Inclement weather wrecks Rio’s rowing schedule

RIO DE JANEIRO: At the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, where the rowing is taking place, the world rowing federation is having to make contingency plans amid two lost days due to inclement weather at the Olympic Games.

It was the second day that four of South Africa’s crews could not get out on the water as yesterday’s semi-finals were called off due to strong winds.

World rowing’s executive director, Matt Smith, said more bad weather was on the cards, which had organisers drawing up a host of plans for the rest of the regatta.

“The forecast for tomorrow (Thursday) is better than today, but (I’m) not particularly optimistic,” Smith said.

The men’s and women’s lightweight double sculls, women’s pair, and men’s four were resigned to ergos after Sunday’s heats were called off.

But they were back on the water on Monday, when all the crews qualified straight into the semi-finals with the exception of the men’s four.

The team of Vincent Breet, Jake Green, David Hunt and Jonty Smith won their repechage on Tuesday to also book their place in what was supposed to be the semi-finals yesterday.

All five crews are now scheduled to be in action on the same day, with the men’s pair of Lawrence Brittain and Shaun Keeling looking to win the rowers’ first medal.

That is, if the weather permits it, with Sunday set as the reserve day should conditions continue to play a role.