There was disappointment for Putney Town Rowing Club’s Charlotte Taylor, who finished last in the first heat of the lightweight women’s double sculls this afternoon.
Taylor, 30, who took up rowing in 2010 to meet new friends, was selected for her first Games alongside reigning Olympic champion Kat Copeland.
China took the lead after only 500m and despite a late challenge by Denmark, held on for victory with an impressive time of 7:00:13 — over ten seconds ahead of the British boat.
After winning European Championship gold and World Championship silver last year, Taylor and Copeland have struggled for form this season.
@GBRowingTeam @kate_copeland @charlietaylor1x what date is the repechage to confirm?
— Nathan Salt (@NathSalt1) August 8, 2016
James Cracknell, two-time Olympic gold medallist, believes they can still qualify through the repechage.
He said: “What they do have in their locker is the second fastest time in the world ever.”
China and Denmark will race again the semi final while Great Britain will look to fulfil their true potential when they compete in the repechage.
Image courtesy of the BBC, with thanks
