Couldn't have asked for a better start for the LW2X. They won their heat to qualify directly for the final, finishing 4.6 seconds above Australia who will now have to race in the repechage. In the other heat, France finished 14 seconds ahead of Italy. So as of now, Greece and France are the clear favourites to qualify although I still wouldn't count out Italy as they are the defending Olympic champions.
Also pleased with our LM2X, finishing second in their heat and qualifying directly for the final, just .66 seconds behind France who are the big favourites. As in the LW2X, it seems that Greece and France are the clear favourites for the quota.
I am unfortunately no longer optimistic about M2X. They did okay to finish 2nd in their heat and qualify for the semis, but were 8 seconds behind USA. And with the last minute new Serbian crew, I think it will be very tough to get the quota. But let's see, anything can happen in the final.
Fragkou has a very small chance in W1X and now we can pretty much kiss that quota goodbye. Finishing 3rd in her heat won't cut it, and it's a shame as I really think she could've qualified if we sent her in W2X. Hopefully she sticks around for LA and can make it, she's still only 21 yo.
3rd for our men's pair in their heat. We knew they had no chance to get a quota anyways. It'll be a huge success if they can even make the final.