BRANDENBURG, Germany Kelsie Chaudoin, a recent UVa graduate and former All-American rower, rowed with the U.S. women’s eight crew that won the gold medal at the Under 23 World Championships in Brandenburg, Germany, Monday.

Virginia head coach Kevin Sauer served as coach of the crew at the championships. “I couldn’t be more proud of this group of women from nine different schools that came together in just a month to pull this off,” he said. “Kelsie became a real force in this boat and had a lot to do with its success.”

By the halfway point of the race the United States had the lead, with Poland doing everything to hold on. In the process, these two crews moved cleanly away from the rest of the field. Last year’s gold medalists, Belarus, then pushed through to third, but they were well off the leaders’ pace. Coming into the line, the United States was in front with Poland following a boat length back. At the line, the United States had earned its first medal of the regatta. Poland took a well-deserved silver and Belarus came through with the bronze.

Also participating in the championships was Helen Tompkins, a rising junior in the Cavalier rowing program. Tompkins, representing the United States, rowed to a sixth-place finish in the women’s single sculls.

“Helen rowed a gutsy race in challenging conditions,” Sauer said.

Former Virginia rowers continue in international competition next month, as two alums will participate in the 2008 Olympic Games. Lindsay Shoop, a Charlottesville native and two-time All-American at UVa will row for the United States in the women’s eight crew, while Melanie Kok will row for the Canadian lightweight double. Kok graduated in 2007 and was an All-American.

Wyatt Allen, another UVa graduate, will row with the men’s eight crew. Allen graduated in 2001 and rowed for the club team at Virginia.