Two Clemson Rowers Return to U23 World Rowing Championships

July 23, 2009

Clemson rowing will have two representatives at the upcoming World Rowing Under 23 Championships held in Racice, Czech Republic. Recent graduate Jessica Leidecker and rising senior Michelle Nance will be representing the United States for the second time at this prestigious event. In total, 56 nations have entered, making this the largest entry since the event took on World Championship status in 2005.

Leidecker will be stroking the United States’ defending world champion Women’s 8+ crew. She finished fourth in the Women’s 4- at the U23 World Championships last summer.

“It is exciting to see Jessica represent her country for a second time. As a first team All-American, it was obvious she had the ability. What struck me most is her ability to switch sides at camp and find her way not only in the Women’s 8+, but also setting the rhythm at stroke. It is a wonderful way to complete her career at Clemson and a great honor to compete with the best in collegiate rowing,” said Clemson Head Coach Richard Ruggieri.

Nance will sit in bow seat of the Women’s 4x. She also finished fourth in the Women’s 4- at the U23 World Championships in 2008. This marks the first time a rower from Clemson has represented the United States in sculling.

“Michelle really showed how well she is able to adapt and learn. With limited sculling experience, she really seized the opportunity and found a way to reach the goals she set. I look forward to having Michelle return to Clemson and join a strong group of returnees along with a sizable pool of sculling athletes,” said Ruggieri.

Competition begins July 23 and information and results can be found as follows:

The entries and the timetable are now available on the World Rowing U23 Championships page of www.worldrowing.com.

Detailed race reports, live audio streaming, live results and features will be available on www.worldrowing.com during the regatta.

Clemson Rowing has sent five rowers to represent the United States at the World Rowing Under 23 Championships in the past three years. They include:

2007: Suzanne Van Fleet (Women’s 8+, 3rd place)2008: Suzanne Van Fleet (Women’s 8+, 1st place), Hilary Cumbest (Women’s 4-, 4th place), Jessica Leidecker (Women’s 4-, 4th place), Michelle Nance (Women’s 4-, 4th place), Elizabeth Robb (Women’s 4-, 4th place)