The U.S. women’s eight kicked off the Rio Olympics rowing competition in dominating style, winning its heat several boat lengths ahead of the Netherlands.
The double Olympic champions won the race Monday in 6 minutes, 6.34 seconds, a whopping eight seconds ahead of the Dutch boat. Romania was third in 6:16.24.
Boothbay Harbor native Eleanor Logan, 28, is a veteran member of the U.S. team and could become only the second Mainer to win three Olympic gold medals. Logan won gold medals with the women’s eight at Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012. Swimmer Ian Crocker, who grew up in Portland, was a member of winning relay teams at the 2000, 2004 and 2008 Olympics.
Monday in Rio, the U.S. women’s eight finished in the top spot after two heats were completed. Great Britain was second with a time of 6:09.52. Both teams automatically advanced to the gold-medal race, which is scheduled for 10:04 a.m. Saturday.
The rowing competition resumed in calm and overcast conditions after races were canceled Sunday because of strong winds.
The U.S. has won 10 consecutive world and Olympic titles in the women’s eight since 2006, a dynasty that is unmatched in most team sports.
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