Beijing, 11 August – Comments from Chinese rower Zhu Weiwei after winning the Junior Women’s Single Sculls Final A.

ZHU Weiwei (CHN)

On today’s race:

“The second half of the race was very tough. I don’t think I performed as well today as in the Semifinal. I know little about my German rival, and so it was not so easy to win the race. I am extremely excited for winning such a hard race. ”

On coach instructions and the strategy:

“The coach was shouting to me, but I could not hear clearly. What I did was to remain calm, otherwise I could have been overtaken, and lost the Championship. In the second half of the race, the rivals began to come closer. I feel very tired today.”

On the meaning of the gold medal:

“This is my first time in the Junior Championships and first time racing single scull. This gold medal has proved my capabilities. The race also offered me an opportunity to practice, to learn about the rivals, and to interact with them.”

On racing in the home country:

“Because the race is held in my country, there is no time difference and I do not need to adjust to the weather. I have a lot of confidence in racing in China and I also feel very excited to meet foreign rowers here.”

On spectators’ cheers:

“I felt thrilled by the very loud cheers from the spectators while racing.”

On future plans:

“I plan to row in the City Games at the end of October this year. Due to age limits, I may not be able to take part in the Olympic Games next year.”

NS lj/jp