Crews eye Olympics after more medal joy

New Zealand enjoyed more success at the World Rowing Championships in Slovenia last night, with silver and bronze medals adding lustre to a regatta that witnessed a sensational performance from Mahe Drysdale.

Storm Uru and Peter Taylor took silver in the lightweight double sculls last night, with Emma Twigg coming third in the lightweight single scull.

The New Zealand men's coxless four took second place in their B Final on Lake Bled to wrap up some fine performances from the Kiwis.

But it was Drysdale, taking gold in a brilliant victory in the single scull, who will rightly claim the limelight. After his win he spoke about his "18 months of hell".

A disc problem in his lower back combined with arthritis forced Drysdale to change his training regime but he triumphed yesterday, and is back on top after his silver medal at last year's world championships.

"It's pretty special to be back on the winners' podium again," Drysdale said.

"I don't think I was at my best, I think there's still more to come, but it was good enough today and we've to go and work now for 10 months away [in London]."

It was Drysdale's fifth world title and an amazing effort considering his injury problems.

Uru and Taylor looked strong but were overtaken by Great Britain's Zac Purchase and Mark Hunter with about 200m to go.

Twigg, in the lightweight single scull, dominated early and led by a boat length at the 1500m mark but faded to finish third behind Mirka Knapkova of the Czech Republic and Ekaterina Karsten of Belarus.

The New Zealand men's coxless four last night added to a long list of Kiwi rowers who have qualified for the London Olympics with a second place in their B Final. Jade Uru, Ben Hammond, James Dallinger and Chris Harris took silver in the B final behind Canada.

A record 12 New Zealand boats have qualified for the Olympics following last night's final session of the championships.