Almost 400 athletes, 47 countries, 14 Olympic Boat Classes and 1 final chance.

These are the numbers that represent the FISA European Continental and Final Olympic Qualification Regatta. This event brings to a close a process that started in France last year with the 2015 World Championship being the main Rio Qualifier for most teams.

“If you don’t have confidence, you’ll always find a way not to win.”

Carl Lewis, USA 10x Olympic Track and Field Medalist 

The Olympics are an event unlike any other, the very pinnacle of sport, and with the quadrennial time frame many athlete’s lives have been dedicated to the ultimate goal of representing their country in rowing – a part of the summer games since 1900.

In respect of the competitors this weekend we thought we’d give some insight into what it’s like for the athletes to compete at this highest level and define the very essence of where there will be so much on the line for those hitting the water this weekend.

Josh Dunkley Smith AUS talks us through his Silver medal winning experience in London 2012.

“A month from now I will be lining up on the start line of the Lucerne ‘last chance qualification regatta’. I have one opportunity to claim one of the last three spots in the women’s single scull for Rio. After a year off, I embark on the regatta with a few nerves. I need to get myself into a position to be wearing the Olympic Rings on my chest again!”

Emma Twigg, NZ World Champion and Olympian, W1x at Lucerne. 

We wish them all the very best of speed.