Pritchard PB propels Britain to top of the pile at World Rowing Championships

Ben Pritchard cherished a personal best and bronze medal that propelled Britain back onto the podium at the World Rowing Championships. The Swansea rower reached the rostrum in the PR1 men's single sculls, the nation's first medal in the Paralympic discipline since 2015. Ad It was Pritchard's first gong on the global stage and came with a personal best row of 9:11.90 in RaÄice, Czech Republic.

RowingThomas snatches surprise rowing bronze in RaciceAN HOUR AGO «It's our first medal since 2015 and I'm really glad we're starting to get back on the podium at these big events,» he said. «I've got to be happy with a personal best. I can't really go any faster than that, so hopefully we can use this as a springboard towards Paris.» Pritchard matched the bronze medal he won at August's European Championships in Munich.

The Welshman comfortably claimed victory in his semi-final to set up a tilt at the medals with Ukraine's Paralympic champion Roman Polianskyi setting the standard. In fact it was Italian European gold medallist Giacomo Perini who led the field through the opening stages with Pritchard and Polianskyi in hot pursuit. The Ukrainian caught Perini in the back half but Pritchard was once again unable to overhaul his rival.

«I'm disappointed I couldn't row through Perini,» he said. «I could tell from the heats it was going to be a big fight for first to fourth positions. »I'm really glad for Roman to be on that top step, he's a true champion and to race against these guys is a joy.