Western Australian Institute of Sport rowing athletes and 2008 Olympians Jeremy Stevenson and Nat Bale have competed in a test event in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil where both picked up medals.
The regatta – which is one of a series of test events being staged by the city to enhance their bid for the 2016 Olympics – acted as the first competitive row for Bale since Beijing and the first for Stevenson since the national championships last summer.
Stevenson showed good form in the men’s single scull winning his heat before moving into the final with a second place finish in his semi.
Stevenson produced a solid performance in capturing silver in the final, leading over the half way point and up to 400m from the line before being over hauled for gold.
Bale qualified second in her heat of the women’s single scull and picked up a bronze medal in the final to ensure both WAIS athletes would leave with heavier luggage on the journey back home.
WAIS Rowing Performance Manager Antonio Maurogiovanni was pleased to have two experienced campaigners back in the boat and competing internationally.
“Both athletes competed really well in Brazil and I was particularly pleased given their Brazilian counterparts are peaking with their athletes due for selection trials in November for the South American Championships,” Maurogiovanni said.
Of Bale’s performance Maurogiovanni commented “It was her first race in 13 months and to pick up bronze is good, but since she has realised how much hard work is ahead to get back to the level required,” he said.
Stevenson who finished behind a triple Olympian in second was also tipped for a big challenge. “Jeremy led with 400m to go, but the inability to produce lactate based on the different level of periodization made a difference,” Maurogiovanni said.
“Most importantly, they will both head home with the taste of competition again strong in their mouth,” he added.
