University of Tartu’s men’s eight rowers are European university champions

The University of Tartu’s men’s eight team won the gold medal at the European University Rowing Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland.

The team – Karl August Ruusalepp, Markus Uibo, Karl Kristofer Orgse, Rasmus Tensing, Martin Rahuoja, Margus Kodasma, Mark Theodor Jalakas, Nikita Žoglo and coxswain Martin Siiman – completed the 1000-metre course in 2:45.15. The University of Lorraine finished second, 0.32 seconds behind.

After the competition, Karl August Ruusalepp said the decisive factor was the adjustments made following the semifinal. “We drew conclusions from the two training sessions and the heats, and achieved exactly what was needed in the final. This time, we trained more individually, and everyone maintained their level. Young rowers and more experienced athletes joined forces, and excellent team chemistry brought us the victory.”

The University of Zagreb came in third (+2.28), followed by crews of the universities of Bydgoszcz (2:47.65), Munich (2:48.47), and Gdańsk (2:53.37).

The men’s eight team of the University of Tartu was coached by Priit Purge.

See the results on the website of the European University Rowing Championships.