1982 World Championships- Lucerne Switzerland

Selection

The National Selectors included Don Croot following the resignation of Bruce Evans. They selected for the first time a squad which included representatives from all States and the ACT. They determined that the squad should undertake two tours with the first incorporating Manheim (GDR), Vichy (FRA) and Nottingham (GBR).

The lightweight eight came from three states and was under the guidance of Tasmania's David Poulson. The rise of Tasmania as a force in lightweight rowing probably swayed the selectors views on the possibility of a larger boat touring for these Championships. However the eight suffered with injuries. The early injury to Western Australia Russell Langdon, prompted the selectors to recall Peter Antonie from England, where he was sculling at Henley.

However the biggest challenge for the selectors and the lightweight eight was finding a combination from the high quality pairs from throughout the land.

Racing

Bob Cooper's coxed four had a troubled row in the heat and had to gain the second place in the repechage to make the final. Regrettably they came fourth and were relegated to the petite final which they won. Mike Nielsen was asked to be the travelling reserve which he did as a favour having not long returned from the Under 23 Championships.

The lightweight eight had a good start winning the tougher of the two heats in the fastest time. They had defeated reigning champions Denmark, and had out performed Italy. Regrettably it was the best row of their trip as they went "off the boil" in the five day break between heat and final.

In the final, Australia led at the five hundred metre mark but by the thousand metre mark had slipped into third place. In the final part of the race they were unable to resist Spain who flashed by to steal the bronze medal. There was a very close margin between third and fourth places.

Results—Women's

Women's Single Scull

Final B: 7th CAN, 8th AUS, 9th BUL, 10th SWE, 11th FRG, 12th IRL
Final: 1st URS 3.42.83; 2nd ROM; 3rd NZL, 4th GBR, 5th GDR, 6th USA

Women's Double Scull

Final B: 7th ROM, 8th TCH, 9th GBR, 10th POL, 11th DEN, 12th AUT
Final: 1st URS 3.19.47; 2nd GDR; 3rd CAN, 4th USA, 5th NED, 6th BUL

Women's Coxed Quad Scull

Final B: 7th BUL, 8th HUN, 9th FRG
Final: 1st URS 3.07.58; 2nd GDR; 3rd ROM, 4th USA, 5th DEN, 6th FRA

Women's Coxless Pair

Final B: 7th FRG, 8th USA, 9th AUS, 10th GBR, 11th CHN, 12th ROM
Final: 1st GDR 3.32.41; 2nd POL; 3rd CAN, 4th URS, 5th NED, 6th BUL

Women's Coxed Four

Final: 1st URS, 2nd USA, 3rd ROM, 4th GDR, 5th NED, 6th BUL

Women's Eight

Final: 1st URS 2.57.97; 2nd USA; 3rd GDR, 4th ROM, 5th CAN, 6th BUL