Final Day Downriver

The downriver event on the Dutch Water Dreams course was bound to be an interesting event, based on the round and round nature of the water park. The women went off at exactly noon. We were in the second heat of women's teams; luckily the faster heat. Eight teams, side by side, against the shore. We got a decent lane pick by default and got out in front, however, had to navigate around several buoys along the way, getting edged out on the corner. We finished the first lap in third place. We battled for the next four laps against the Brits, bouncing off the back of their boat, coming up alongside them a few times on the flat water, but having to drop back to get around the buoys each time. Anyway, the USA women finished with a BRONZE. We had great crowd support from our family of spectators and our mens team. Women finish top five overall!!!

The US Men's downriver event went off right after ours. The heat was stacked; Brazil, Japan, Czech Republic, USA...... first lap put the Brazilians out in front; there they stayed. The boys had a decent start, fought hard and came around the first lap in fourth. A few bobbles by some men's teams put the USA in second by the third lap. The fourth lap Japan charged back and took over second from the men. That's where they stayed, however, the New Zealand men from an earlier heat stole the third place position from the men by 30 seconds or so. Fantastic showing from our USA men. Men finish top four overall; 1 bloody point out of third place overall!!!!

Both teams had some great successes on this journey; fun was had by all. Thanks to everyone for their support; spectators and sponsors. Tonight we mingle with teams from all over the world as we eat, drink, tell stories and finish our trip in the Dutch land; a friendly, warm, beautiful place I might add.....