OKC Rowers Qualify Lightweight Men’s Four for London

The U.S. senior national rowing team raced in Lucerne, Switzerland at the 2012 Final Olympic Qualfication Regatta with hopes of advancing more athletes to the London Games. After an exciting race, the US lightweight men’s four entry comprised of Oklahoma City National High Performance Center (OKCNHPC) athletes Robin Prendes, Nick LaCava, Will Newell, and Anthony Fahden lead by OKCNHPC head coach Bryan Volpenhein has qualified for the 2012 London Olympic Games.

The boat needed a top two finish in the final competing against The Netherlands, Brazil, New Zealand, Serbia and Spain. USA came through the 500 meter mark in third, moved to second by the halfway point and from there moved into first and held the lead to the finish of the 2000m race. USA won in a time of 6:01.85 followed in second place by The Netherlands in 6:01.99. Both crews have earned the right to represent their countries in the Olympic Games. New Zealand finished in third place, Serbia in fourth, Spain in fifth and Brazil in sixth place.

(Left to right) Gold medalists Anthony Fahden, Will Newell, Nick LaCava & Robin Prendes stand with silver medalists from The Netherlands. Both crews qualified for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.