Tara Rigney has continued her strong early form in the Olympic regatta at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium, taking out her quarter final of the Women’s Single Sculls to advance to the semis as she chases a maiden Olympic medal.
The 25-year-old Sydneysider is a two-time World Championship bronze medallist and left the outcome in no doubt on Tuesday, finishing four seconds clear of American Kara Kohler to lay down another impressive row on a steamy day in Paris.
The Rowsellas are staying in the same accommodation as the Australian paddlers and Tara said she was inspired by K1 star Jess Fox, who was given a hero’s welcome when she returned to the French chateau that is serving as their satellite Village.
Jess triumphantly rang the chateau bell upon her arrival and Tara even tried on her gold medal.
"To see the emotion when she got back to the chateau - it was definitely we are in the Olympics," Tara said. "I look up to Jess - she's amazing.
"Hopefully I will get to ring the bell too - wouldn't that be nice."
Tara will be straight back on the water on Thursday in her semifinal, where is drawn next to world champion Karolien Florijn, who has been the dominant sculler in the boat class over the past two years.
The draining conditions made life tough for all crews, with two other Australian boats in action as they tried to book spots in A Finals.
The Australian Women’s Double Scull of Amanda Bateman and Harriet Hudson fell just 0.22s short when they were pipped on the line by Norway, while the Women’s Four will also conclude their program in the B Final after finishing fifth in their repechage.
Meanwhile, the Rowsellas Women’s Pair of Annabelle McIntyre and Jess Morrison, both gold medalists in the Four in Tokyo, will race their semifinal on Wednesday after an eye-catching heat row earlier in the week.
