Edward in line for world award

Rotorua's Julia Edward and rowing partner Sophie MacKenzie are up for a top international award after an excellent performance at the World Rowing Championships.

Edward and MacKenzie (Blenheim) have been named as finalists for the 2014 World Rowing Female Crew of the Year award.

The pair set the world record in the women's lightweight double scull boat earlier this year on their way to a gold medal at in Amsterdam.

Remarkably, Edward and MacKenzie had only been training together for five weeks before the world champs, taking everyone by surprise with their gold medal effort.

They have been named alongside three other crews for the top award, including fellow Kiwi Emma Twigg. Twigg won the women's single scull event in Amsterdam.

The finalists for the World Rowing Awards highlight the best rowers in the world across four categories - 2014 World Rowing Female Crew of the Year, 2014 World Rowing Male Crew of the Year, 2014 World Rowing Para Crew of the Year, and 2014 World Rowing Coach of the Year.

The winners will be announced and presented with their awards on November 8 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, at the 2014 World Rowing Coaches Conference gala dinner.

Refer to page A4 for the Our People profile on Julia Edward.