Vanuatu claim gold in rowing sprint championship

Vanuatu rower Riilio Rii has grabbed Vanuatu’s first ever Commonwealth gold medal at the inaugural Commonwealth beach rowing sprint that was held in Sandbanks beach, England from 17th-18th August.

Rio sprinted to the line and dived for the buzzer just ahead of England’s Gian-Luc Angiolini who took silver in the coastal men’s single sculls.

Titled ‘the peoples champions’ because of his raw talent and passion, Rio was roared on by the crowds who lined the beach to take the historic gold, with emotional scenes on the podium afterwards as he collected his medal.

A wonderful achievement for Rio and Vanuatu Rowing Association and the future of rowing in Vanuatu.

President of the Oceania Rowing Confederation, Lee Spear says it a notable achievement result for Vanuatu in a commonwealth game.

The Commonwealth coastal rowing beach sprints championship were sanctioned by the Commonwealth Games Association, the medals presented carry Commonwealth Games medal status.

Rio and his coach, Andrew MacKenzie now move to Thessalonica, Greece for a 10-day FISA (World Rowing) training camp in preparation for the World Rowing Championships that will be held at Plodiv Bulgaria from 9th – 16th September 2018.

Rio will be competing in the Mens single (M1x)

 

Photo from Britishrowing.org

     

Author: 
Tensly Sumbe
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