Jessica Leidecker Earns a Silver Medal at U23 World Rowing Championships

July 27, 2009

Racice, Czech Republic – Clemson rower Jessica Leidecker, stroke of the United States Women’s Eight, won a silver medal at the U23 Word Rowing Championships this past weekend. The crew clocked a 6:21.80 to finish 1.09 seconds behind Great Britain in the championship race.

The British boat took the lead in the first 500 meters and built a 2.68-second advantage on the American crew, which sat in third, at the midway point of the race. The U.S. boat tried to get back on terms with Great Britain over the final 1,000 meters but was unable to track them down. Great Britain crossed the line in a 6:20.71, while Poland took the bronze medal in a 6:23.16.

“Jessica and her teammates did a wonderful job representing the United States. This finish continues Clemson’s streak of having at least one member on the awards podium over the last three years at U23 Worlds,” said Clemson Head Coach Richard Ruggieri. “Jessica will be receiving her degree this December and assisting with our freshman walk-on program in the fall.”

Michelle Nance completed her second U23 Worlds with a ninth place finish in the Women’s 4x. The United States fell behind Australia and finals winner Russia. The Russian crew rowed an aggressive first 1000 meters maintaining their lead to the end finishing in 6:43.20. The United States came through at 6:50.29.

“Michelle grew a great deal as a sculler this past summer. To represent your country is a great honor and I look forward to enhancing her sculling as well as many of our top rowers as we prepare for the 2010 NCAA Championship and beyond,” said Ruggieri.