Michael Braithwaite of the University of Toronto Varsity Blues earned a bronze medal at the world rowing under 23 championships, July 23-26, in Racice, Czech Republic.

After an exciting semifinal round, Braithwaite was the final competitor to qualify for the A final of the men’s single sculls.

The Duncan, B.C. native put forth a valiant effort in the last 500m to edge Andraz Krek of Slovenia for the bronze medal. Braithwaite finished in a time of 7:03.57, earning his first medal at a major international regatta.

"I knew going into my final that it was going to be a tight race and I'm really happy that I was able to step up and execute," said Braithwaite. "All in all this was a great step in the right direction."

Lauritz Schoof of Germany won the U23 single in 7:00.35 and Roel Braas of the Netherlands was second in 7:02.31.

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