PARALYMPICS: Van den Broecke happy to make final (From Oxford Mail)

PARALYMPICS: Van den Broecke happy to make final

10:00am Saturday 1st September 2012 in Sport

OXFORD cox Lily van den Broecke was delighted to steer Britain’s Legs Trunks and Arms (LTA) mixed coxed four into the Paralaympic rowing final at Eton Dorney.

The 20-year-old former Headington School pupil (pictured) and her crew of Leander Club, Henley’s Pamela Relph, plus Naomi Riches, David Smith and James Roe, finished first in yesterday’s second heat.

Britain, who clocked 3mins 23.59secs for the 1,000m course, will go for gold in the final tomorrow at 11.50am.

Van den Broecke said: “It was a good race which will boost our confidence ahead of Sunday’s final.

“The crew did everything the coach asked of them. Of course, there is still room for improvement.

“The support of the crowd was amazing.”

GB led from the start to beat USA by almost five seconds. Van den Broecke, who is able bodied, said “I can’t wait for the final. I just hope it is a bit warmer. It was freezing this morning”.

The rowers opted out of the Opening ceremony to get an early night, but Van den Broecke still said: “The whole Paralympic experience has been fantastic – exceeding my expectations”.

Germany, won the other heat in a world record time of 3.15.91, while second-placed Ukraine and third-placed Italy also rowed faster than Britain.