Dani Hansen Makes History, Annelise Hahl Wins Gold

Dani Hansen made history as the most decorated U.S. Para rower with her silver medal win in the PR3 mixed double sculls at the 2024 World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals in Genoa, Italy. Annelise Hahl won gold in the U19 women's solo in a dynamic performance, beating Spain’s Lucia Navarro Blasco by 22.34 seconds. 

The U.S. PR3 mixed double sculls won silver behind the crew from Great Britain. Hansen and Rought made quick work of the crew from Italy in their semifinal, winning by over ten seconds. Hansen and Rought traded blows with the crew from Great Britain in the final to the halfway mark until Natacha Searson and Colin Wallace were able to walk away. 

“My legs are a little tired, and my voice is a little drained from communicating with Dani, but it was a great race,” said Gary Rought. “We were neck and neck with GB right until the turn buoy, lost a little speed coming out of the turn. They pulled away at the end, and I think we gave it all that we could. I mean, we walked away with a silver medal; that’s the best we could ask for.”

Hansen, a two-time Paralympian, has medaled at 11 international rowing events, including silver at the Paralympics and gold at the World Championships. This silver makes her the most decorated U.S. Para rower in history. 

“I think my favorite part of doing this entire event has been rowing with Gary,” said two-time Paralympian Dani Hansen. “It’s been fun every time we’ve been in the boat, and to have it be the first ever USA to medal in this event, and the first time this event is happening at Beach Sprints, and to do it with Gary has been the best combo of all time. I’m super happy, and next year, we’re gonna come back even better.”

Hahl was triumphant today, winning gold in the U19 women's solo. She previously won silver and bronze in coastal rowing. Hahl could finally take the top step today in Italy after a close fight with Latvia in the quarterfinals and China in the semifinals to make it into Final A. Hahl saved her best performance for the final, taking a 12 second lead by the halfway mark and increasing the lead to over 20 seconds by the finish line. 

Hahl will compete against Latvia in the knockout round tomorrow in the U19 women’s double sculls with Annalie Duncomb. 

Ronan Maher was unable to move past the knock round of 16, losing to Spain’s Ignacio Ramon-Borja Garcia by 10 seconds. Maher had a small lead at the second marker, but bumpy water conditions set in, and Garcia capitalized on the challenging conditions. Spain remained ahead at the buoy turn and continued to widen the gap to the finish line. 

Italy knocked the mixed quadruple sculls out of the round of 16. The crew of Malachi Anderson, Cassidy Norton, Sierra Bishop, Justin Stevens and Coral Kasden finished in a time of 2:30.00, 6.47 seconds behind the Italians. The crew fought neck and neck right off the beach, but a strong turn from the Italians helped to secure their win. The U.S. tried but couldn’t make up the distance.

Racing continues for the final crews tomorrow morning in Genoa, Italy. Results can be found here. Photos from the day are available here.