Aug. 28, 2006

With former Cal rower Megan Cooke aboard, the U.S. women's eight posted the fastest time in the world this year en route to a gold medal at the World Rowing Championships in Eton, Great Britain, Sunday.

The American boat led from the start, opening a nearly two-second lead after 500 meters, and the U.S. team held that advantage the rest of the race to finish in 5:55.50. Germany was second in 5:57.29, and Australia took third in 6:00.29.

Kaylan Vander Schilden, who just completed her career with the Bears, was a member of the Canadian eight that placed fifth in 6:03.32.

Cooke competed in two boats at the championships, also taking fourth in the women's pairs. The U.S. squad covered the 2000-meter course in 6:58.23, missing a medal by just over a second. Germany was third in 6:57.11.

Three other former Cal rowers also raced in the world event. Julie Nichols represented the U.S. in the lightweight double sculls and was third in the B final for ninth place overall.

On Saturday, Aug. 26, Erin Cafaro helped the U.S. four to a bronze medal. The crew was in fifth place at the 500-meter mark, before beginning its push for a medal. The U.S. passed Germany during the third 500 meters and finished in 6:28.66. Australia won gold in 6:25.35, followed by China in 6:26.75.

Finally, Iva Obradovic, representing Serbia, came in fifth in the B final of the women's singles in 7:32.67, less than half a second behind bronze-medal winner Spain.

For complete results, visit the World Rowing Championships website.