A new world order looks to be emerging. Since our last issue we have enjoyed a glittering example of a world rowing championships in Sarasota, Florida. There the GB juggernaut, having topped the table at the last three Olympics, faltered, finishing eighth overall — behind both Ireland and Romania. It was the end of a golden era also for the US women’s eight, who lost their first world championships in eleven years, finishing fourth.
As one door closes another opens and with Mike Teti returning to national team coaching duties, it was his US men’s eight who scooped up the silverware in Sarasota this time round. Read Martin Cross’ interview with Teti in this issue. Italy, returning to form for the first time in decades, won an astonishing 9 medals overall to top the table in Sarasota. Perhaps most credit though should go to Brazil who finished tenth, just behind GB and Germany. For the likes of Brazil and the many other developing rowing nations, just getting to a world championships is a remarkable triumph.