Blacks with European Commission gold after a controversial selection: - Sailing as one of the candidates in the Olympics

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The Norwegian duo beat teams in Lithuania and Romania that were among the best countries in recent years, and fell into the favorites ahead of the Paris Olympics.

The Norwegians came out in front with Lithuania and had a small gap with the other competitors after 1000 metres. In the end they gained a lead of half a boat length and stayed clear to the finish line.

Lithuania, with Donata Karalin and Deauville Rimkot, won the silver medal, and Romania, with Ankuta Bodnar and Simona Radice, won the bronze.

Among the Olympic favorites

NRK commentators were very impressed with the new Norwegian duo.

– This is historical what is happening here. NRK commentator Pall Thomassen said they are sailing as one of the favorites at the Olympics.

However, in the Olympic Games, the competition becomes more difficult when countries like the United States, New Zealand and Australia also compete.

– We have never seen this before, that the Norwegian women's double sculler is at the top of the world.

– It was amazing, absolutely incredible. “I'm sitting there with a lump in my throat, we've been waiting for this for 20 years,” said expert commentator Lars Buonis.

National team coach Frederic Pekin was also excited about the gold medal.

– What they are presenting here today exceeds the category of Olympic medals. Everything is fine there, enthusiastic national team coach Frederik Becken tells NTB.

– It's completely unbelievable. They are very strong and well trained. It's surprising in a way, but I know what they did from training. So it's no wonder they're there, he says.

Controversial withdrawal

Before the tournament, there was a lot of talk about which two women would represent Norway in the double sculls.

For two years, Helseth had Jenny Rorvik as her partner in the double sculls, while Kavli competed in the single sculls.

It was Rørvik and Helseth who qualified for the double sculls for the Paris Olympics, but only the boat qualified. The Rowing Federation has not yet selected the athletes.

All three did well earlier this year in their classes. Helste and Rorvik finished second at the World Cup held in Varese earlier this year, while Kavli finished third.

Before the European Commission, it was decided that Helseth and Kafli would row together in double canoes, while Rorvik was sent home.

“It's a difficult situation for everyone,” Thea Helseth said. There's just so much emotion, we're trying to take care of each other and train as much as we can. NRC Before the European Commission.