As the Beijing Olympic Games ticks one-year countdown, the Munich World Rowing Championships have allured record entries to compete at the 1972 Olympic Regatta Course in Oberschleissheim, near Munich, Germany from 26 August to 2 September.
Racing in 474 crews, a total of 1,285 athletes from a record 68 countries and regions will take part in the pinnacle event of the 2007 rowing season.
This unusually high entry is due to several factors, according to FISA President Denis Oswald.
"Participation was always going to be high at this year's World Rowing Championships as this is the 2008 Beijing Olympic qualification event. The addition of "Paralympic" rowing has added to this total as well," said Oswald.
"Munich's organizing committee has made available free accommodation and meals for 150 rowers from developing countries which is a huge help. The venue in Munich is much appreciated among rowers.
"It is conveniently located for international travelers and offers great permanent facilities."
The World Rowing season so far has been marked by the success of China. Chinese rowing took 5 medals at the first Rowing World Cup regatta and 10 medals at the second Rowing World Cup regatta this season.
With the results of the Junior Championships last week, this could be the season of Chinese rowing's great leap forward. As this nation prepares for next year's Olympic Games, all eyes will be on those Chinese crews at the World Rowing Championships.
The biggest team will be from the United States with 88 athletes.Germany will be represented by rowers. Britain and Italy also bring big teams with 78 and 77 athletes respectively.
Thor Nilsen, FISA's Development Director, indicated that he is very satisfied with the progress in universality over the past Olympiad. Good results can be expected from Cuba, Argentina and Chile which have been part of the development programme for several years now.
It is a first time participation for Macedonia at this level. Many countries will also use this event as a first chance to qualify for the 2008 Olympic Games, despite their regional qualifying events being held later this year or in early 2008.
Adaptive rowing is also high on the agenda this year. All four existing adaptive boat classes will be represented, and 62 crews have entered -- an impressive 50 percent increase over 2006 participation.
Source: Xinhua
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