Six U.S. Crews Advance on Saturday at 2023 Pan American Games

The 2023 Pan American Games got underway today in San Pedro de la Paz with heats in the men's and women's pair, men's and women's double sculls, men's and women's single sculls, and the mixed eight. Six U.S. crews advanced, highlighting day one of racing.

In the men's pair, Ezra Carlson (Eureka, Calif./University of Washington/ Craftsbury Green Racing Project) and Alexander Hedge (Morristown, N.J./Columbia University/ Craftsbury Green Racing Project) won their heat to advance to directly to Monday's final. Carlson and Hedge, who won gold in the event at the 2023 Pan American Games Qualification Regatta, crossed the finish line in a 6:55.19, followed by Chile with a 7:01.64 and Mexico a 7:03.07.

"Ezra and I went out with the intention of taking an early lead and just covering pushes down the course," Hedge said. "We've rowed this lineup for nearly two years, so we have plenty of trust in one another. We're eager to show our speed in the final."

The women's pair of Isa Darvin (Madison, Wis./University of Wisconsin/Penn AC) and Hannah Paynter (Lyme, Conn./Princeton University/ARION) also won its heat to advance directly to the final. The tandem reached the finish line in a 7:30.39, four seconds ahead of Paraguay and a full 13 seconds ahead of Brazil. Darvin and Paynter will race for medals in Monday's final.

In the women's single sculls, Grace Joyce (Northfield, Ill./University of Wisconsin/Craftsbury Green Racing Project) dominated her heat to advance to Tuesday's A/B semifinals. Joyce, who won gold in the event at the 2023 Pan American Games Qualification Regatta and recently raced at the 2023 World Rowing Championships in the women's quadruple sculls, clocked an 8:16.05. Paraguay took second in an 8:26.08 with Chile finishing third in an 8:27.33.

"Beautiful day for racing," Joyce said. "I was happy with my first execution and loved watching my teammates race again in Chile."

Men's single sculler Jacob Plihal (Vashon Island, Wash./Northeastern University/Craftsbury Green Racing Project) also won his heat and will now race in Tuesday's A/B semifinals. Plihal, who won gold in the event at the 2023 Pan American Games Qualification Regatta, pulled away in the final 750 meters to beat out both Peru and Paraguay. Plihal crossed the line in a 7:21.53.

In the men's double sculls, Mark Couwenhoven (Parkton, Md./University of Maryland-Baltimore County/Penn AC) and Casey Fuller (Newtown, Conn./Fairfield University/Saugatuck Rowing Club) finished second in their heat to advance to Tuesday's A/B semifinals. The tandem reached the finish line in a 6:43.30, less than one second behind Uruguay. Mexico took third with a 7:15.95.

In the women's double sculls, Madeleine Focht (Long Beach, Calif./California State University, Long Beach/ARION) and Veronica Nicacio (Vancouver, Wash./University of Portland/ARION) also finished second in their heat, advancing directly to Wednesday's final. Focht and Nicacio, who won gold in the event at the 2023 Pan American Games Qualification Regatta, finished in a 7:26.38, just two seconds behind Chile. Mexico finished third in a 7:42.99.

In the final heat of the day, the mixed eight of Colette Lucas-Conwell (Paris, France/University of Virginia/California Rowing Club/New York Athletic Club), Carlson, Couwenhoven, Darvin, Hedge, Plihal, Lauren Miller (Saint Cloud, Minn./University of Minnesota/ARION), Paynter, and Cristina Pretto (Prospect, Conn./Trinity College/Penn AC) took second in a race separated by mere milliseconds. The crew crossed the finish line in a 5:58:51 and will compete in Sunday's repechage for a second chance at the final. Chile took first in a 5:58:47.

"Our eight was an exciting race to say the least," Hedge said. "We've only rowed the lineup once, so we're learning as we go, but happy to post the second fastest time of the day and have another race to sharpen the edge. I hope I'll have more opportunities to race mixed lineups in the future."

Two U.S. crews will hit the water for the first time Sunday, with heats scheduled in both the men's and women's lightweight double sculls. Racing will open with repechages and end with heats, with medal races beginning Monday.

The Pan American and Parapan American Games is the largest multi-sport event in the Americas, where the best athletes from all over the continent compete. It is held every four years, with Chile hosting for the first time in its history in 2023.

Click here for schedules, start lists, results, and event updates, and here for the USRowing coverage page. Live streaming for the five-day regatta will be available via the PanAm Sports Channel.