Aussie claims gold in U23 rowing titles

Australia's Ria Thompson has claimed gold in the Under-23 women's single scull at the rowing World Championships.

Compatriots Giorgia Patten and Harriet Hudson also won silver in the Under-23 women's double scull final in Florida on Sunday.

Thompson, 21, sat back in fourth for more than half the race before working her way past third and second.

She then began a sprint 40m from the line and pipped American favourite Emily Kallfelz for the title.

"That was the most surreal race ever. Emily was so far ahead and I didn't know where she was, but I have to say congratulations to her on a great race. I just went for it on every single stroke and when it came down to it, it paid off," Thompson said.

Patten and Hudson came close to winning gold but they couldn't hold on after nosing in front of Greece in the final 500m.

They eventually slipped to second, with Hungary taking the Bronze.

The Under-23 men's eight finished sixth in their race.

Thompson's gold and Patten and Hudson's bronze on Sunday add to Australia's gold in the Under-23 men's coxed four and bronze in the Under-23 women's coxed four on Saturday.