PRESIDENT of Ireland Michael D Higgins has led the praise of Sanita Puspure after she took gold at the World Rowing Championships in Bulgaria this morning.
Her success in the women’s single sculls in Plovdiv follows yesterday’s gold for the O’Donovan brothers in the men’s lightweight double sculls.
Puspure finished over five seconds and four lengths ahead of reigning world champion Jeannine Gmelin of Switzerland.
“This was always the goal, all I wanted was the gold and it’s finally happened,” she said following her victory.
'I was emotional watching the boys winning yesterday. I wanted the anthem played for me as well' - Sanita Puspure reacts to her gold medal win at the Rowing World Championships. #RTESPort pic.twitter.com/DhSpprNuMI
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) 16 September 2018
Fuleled by the disappointment of just missing out on a medal in 2017 and 2014, Puspure led for the entire race in Plovdiv.
Gmelin tried to close the gap at the 1,100m and 1,500m metre marks, but every time she challenged, Puspure found another gear.
She finished with a time of 07:20.120, cheered across the finish by her family.
President Higgins led the tributes to Cork-based Puspure, who has represented Ireland since 2010 after moving from Latvia.
“May I congratulate Sanita Puspure on her fantastic achievement in the women’s single sculls final, winning gold at the World Rowing Championships,” he said.
“Having overcome many disappointments, her success is very welcome, and enormously deserved. Beir bua agus beannacht.”
"May I congratulate Sanita Puspure on her fantastic achievement in the women's single sculls final, winning gold at the World Rowing Championships.
Having overcome many disappointments, her success is very welcome, and enormously deserved. Beir bua agus beannacht."
— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) September 16, 2018
RESULT #WRChamps 2018:
Sanita Puspure HAS WON GOLD at the 2018 @WorldRowing Championships in the W1x!! An outstanding race, Sanita in control throughout... Congratulations Sanita we are so proud of you!
WORLD CHAMPION 2018
☘ #GreenBlades pic.twitter.com/j2ZSTxdCJT— Rowing Ireland (@RowingIreland) September 16, 2018
IRELAND’S WORLD CHAMPIONS
Congratulations to Paul and Gary O’Donovan and Sanita Puspure, bringing home the gold from Bulgaria with two outstanding A final performances. An amazing achievement for Irish... https://t.co/JrfvYNbCkb
— Muckross Rowing Club (@MuckrossRC) September 16, 2018
WORLD CHAMPION SANITA PUSPURE ☘️
What. A. Race.
Sanita has dominated the women’s singles race all week at the world rowing championships stating her intent, and she did it she won the coveted world title
Well done @SanitaPuspure and @RowingIreland #TeamIreland https://t.co/xOfh54IOfo
— Team Ireland (@TeamIreland) September 16, 2018
Proud mother Sanita Puspure. With Daniella and Patrick, proud children of a World Champion pic.twitter.com/ntNP84ZHYU
— liam gorman (@lmgorman77) September 16, 2018
Gold for Ireland again , well done Sanita Puspure , what a race , following up on the O’Donovan brothers yesterday . Irish rowing putting us at the top of the world sporting map ! pic.twitter.com/tjBgy80TLB
— Mark Wall (@MarkWall1) September 16, 2018
