Alison finishes third at World Rowing U23 Championships
Kildinan athlete Alison Bergin took another major title over the weekend, finishing third in the B final of the World Rowing U23 Championships Women’s Single Sculls.
Alison faced tough competition at Racice, Czech Republic, competing amongst the best crews from the Netherlands, Italy USA, Russia and Austria.
Boats from the Netherlands and Italy finished first and second, with Alison placing third with a final time of 08.06.47.
The World Rowing U23 Championships saw Alison take to the water on Thursday last to compete in the Women’s Single Sculls heat against crews from France, Egypt, Switzerland and Austria, Alison finishing second behind the Swiss sculler with a time of 07.54.63.
The following day saw Alison race in the Women’s Single Scull Repechage, finishing first with a final time of 7.41.21 crossing the line four seconds ahead of the Russian boat.
On day four, Alison competed in the Women’s Single Sculls semi-final placing fourth with a time of 7.47.38, securing her place in the B final on Sunday morning.
Five boats in total competed on the final day. Two Irish crews took home silver medals and out of six competing crews, four reached A finals and two reached B finals.
Fermoy Rowing Club, with whom Alison first began her training, congratulated Alison on her result.
“A great future lies ahead and Fermoy Rowing Club are looking forward to supporting it,” a spokesperson for the club said.
Alison’s father Shane spoke with The Avondhu ahead of the competition stating that it was ‘ very exciting’ for both Alison and the family, with this competition being Alison’s first time moving out of junior competition leagues.
In 2020, Alison was selected for the Irish Junior (U19) squad and represented her country at the Europen Junior Rowing Championships in Serbia. The Kildinan lady placed 5th with the JW4x crew in their final in 2020.
COMMITMENT
Rowing Ireland’s High-Performance Director, Antonio Maurogiovanni, congratulated the U23 athletes and coaches on their performances and results.
“The team was well coordinated by the coaches coordinator and their team manager and all put in a large amount of work over the last couple of months and we are proud of their performances and results. Their passion and enthusiasm has been evident throughout their training camp and competition,” he said.
Mr Maurogiovanni also thanked the athletes, coaches, clubs and their families for their commitment and hard work in preparation for the World Championships.
“I look forward to seeing these athletes develop further and reach their potential in the next number of years after training as well as they did at the National Rowing Centre,” he added.