O’Brien Claims Gold at World Rowing Championships

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Former Virginia standout Kristine O’Brien (Class of 2013) captured a gold medal on Sunday (Sept. 16) at the 2018 World Rowing Championships in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
 
Cavalier alums Susanne Grainger (Class of 2013) and Christine Roper (Class of 2011) earned silver medals and former UVA two-sport athlete Meghan O’Leary (Class of 2008) earned bronze on final-day action at the World Rowing Championships.
 
“Great gold medal for Kristine O’Brien and USA,” Virginia head coach Kevin Sauer said. “I’m so happy for her! Christine Roper and Susanne Grainger and Canada’s women’s eight rebounded with an impressive silver. Meghan O’Leary and Ellen Tomek had to claw their way back in the second 1,000 for the bronze. The chance to coach all four of these women is a real privilege.”
 
O’Brien helped the United States to a gold medal in the women’s eight. The Americans topped Canada 6:00.970-6:03.050. O’Brien also earned gold in the women’s four at the 2015 World Championships.
 
Grainger and Roper captured silver medals in the women’s eight for Canada and have earned medals in the each of the last five World Rowing Championships.
                               
O’Leary, a former UVA volleyball and softball player, claimed a bronze medal in the women’s double with Ellen Tomek. Lithuania won the event at 6:44.150. New Zealand placed second at 6:46.280 followed by the Americans at 6:47.750.
 
Full results for the World Rowing Championships are posted online at worldrowing.com.