Kara Kohler has secured her spot in the Olympics for the third time by winning the single sculls at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Sarasota, Florida. Along with Kohler, four other rowers also qualified to represent Team USA at the prestigious event.
At Sunday’s trials, Kohler dominated the single sculls final and ensured her second consecutive Olympics in that particular event. Despite finishing ninth in the single sculls at the Tokyo Games and placing fourth at the 2023 World Championships, Kohler’s performance was impressive enough to secure her spot on the Olympic team once again.
Jessica Thoennes and Azja Czajkowski won the women’s pair event, while Oliver Bub and William Bender emerged victorious in the men’s pair event, earning spots on the Olympic team as well. Thoennes showcased her skills and secured her place on the team after finishing fourth in the eight at the Tokyo Olympics and earning a silver medal at the 2023 World Championships.
The winning rowers from the trials will have a chance to compete in a final Olympic and Paralympic qualifier in Switzerland in May, where they will have an opportunity to secure berths in Paris by competing against international competition. Last month, Meghan Musnicki was named as one of 21 members of Team USA’s Olympic rowing team including women’s eight, four, double sculls, lightweight double sculls as well as men’s four teams but still need to earn an Olympic spot for men’s eight team during this qualifier.
