2009 Grad Alex Thorlakson into finals at World Rowing Junior Championships!

The 2009 World Rowing Junior Championships are underway in Brive-la-Gaillarde, France, and 2009 graduate Alex Thorlakson has advanced to the final of the coxed four competition after his crew won their opening heat in a time of 6:24.77. Their winning time saw them finish ahead of squads from the United States and New Zealand, who are now faced with qualifying for the finals through a repechage.

No stranger to the pressures of major international competition, Alex, a native of Kelowna, BC, was a key member of Shawnigan's 2008 crew that emerged victorious in the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup competition of the Henley Royal Regatta. His team will now shift their focus as they attempt to capture gold in the finals.

According to FISA, the world rowing federation, conditions were near perfect with almost flat waters, warm temperatures and hardly any wind. This year, 783 athletes from 66 nations are competing in this top regatta for Junior-age rowers.  

- Ryan Panton '97