Lofgren part of women’s eight that wins gold medal

LUCERNE, Switzerland — Esther Lofgren, a Newport Harbor High product, won a gold medal as part of the U.S. women’s eight team at the World Cup Regatta in Lucerne on Sunday.

The victory for the women’s eight team was a close one. The crew grabbed the lead in the first 500 meters and never trailed, but had to edge Australia to win. The Americans finished ahead of the Australians by 0.42 seconds.

Team USA crossed the line at 6 minutes, 7.49 seconds, Australia finished second in 6:07.91 and Canada came in third at 6:08.23.

The U.S. teams won six medals at the World Cup Regatta, including gold in women’s eight and men’s quadruple, which came on the final day. The Americans also won silver in the women’s pair and quadruple sculls, and bronze in the women’s pair and men’s four.

Lofgren is no stranger to success in rowing, especially within the past year. In 2007, Lofgren, also a former standout from Newport Aquatic Center, was part of the women’s quadruple sculls at the World Rowing Under 23 Championships that won gold in Scotland.

It was also in 2007 that Lofgren was chosen to be part of the team representing the U.S. at the World Rowing Championships that took place in Munich, Germany.

— From staff reports