Great Britain also slipped one place from their 2008 silver, taking bronze this time.

[3] Germany was favoured; after a disappointing performance at Beijing (finishing outside the main final), the Germans had taken three straight World Championships.

Other contenders included the defending champions (Canada) and the hosts, Great Britain.

Seven of the eight teams had competed in all three of those Games, at least; by contrast, Ukraine made its first appearance since 1996.

The 8 qualifiers were: The "eight" event featured nine-person boats, with eight rowers and a coxswain.