The 2024 Paris Olympics are well and truly underway with local athletes Paige Barr and Aislin Jones set for starring roles in the coming days.
Barr began her Olympic campaign on Monday, stroking the Australian women’s eight to second place in their heat behind Great Britain.
With the winning crew going straight through to Saturday’s final, Australia will now compete in a semi final this Thursday, where the top four crews will progress to the race for the medals.
Great Britain was quickly out in front of the Australian crew in the 2000 metre race, holding an advantage of about a length more the majority of the race.
The Australian team hit the line strongly but Great Britain did enough to hold them off comfortably.
Barr told the Bairnsdale Advertiser early on Tuesday morning from the team accommodation, which is closer to the course than the village, that it was great to get out on the course and that she is looking forward to the exciting days ahead.
“The course is good, a little windy but not as bad as we expected, hopefully we will draw a good lane in the final,” Barr said.
Lane draws are always important, with being in the middle usually classed as the best.
The Australian crew looks a great chance to secure a medal in the event.
Skeet shooter Jones will compete in her events this Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
She will contest the first round of the women’s skeet this Saturday, with the final round and the final being held on the Sunday.
Jones will team with Sydney shooter, Joshua Bell, next Monday, in the newly created event, skeet mixed pairs.
The combination recently won a bronze medal in a World Cup event, both shooters’ first medal at international level.
If they can replicate that form, an Olympic medal is a distinct possibility.
