Canada rowing coach Jensen dies

VICTORIA, British Columbia (AP) -- Rowing coach Bent Jensen, who led the Canada lightweight men's four to a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics, has died after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 60.

Jensen, who came to Canada to coach at the national level two years ago, died on Tuesday in his native Denmark, Rowing Canada announced on Wednesday.

Considered the top lightweight coach in the world, Jensen's coaching career spanned more than 30 years. Jensen also guided the Denmark lightweight four to Olympic gold in 1996 and 2004 and silver in 2000.

Jensen, who was based in Victoria, didn't consider missing the Olympics last summer even as he continued aggressive cancer treatment. He and his wife, Ulla, inspired the Canada team with their strength and good humor at Beijing.

"Bent was the reason why I came out of retirement," said Jon Beare, a member of Canada's lightweight four. "Bent was the reason why we met with success in Beijing. He left an indelible mark on the sport of rowing, not only in Canada and Denmark, but the world over.

"We were all incredibly blessed to have had the time that we did with Bent and can look back fondly over our two years together."

Jensen had his chemotherapy treatments in Beijing from team doctor Mike Wilkinson. He watched all the races from the boathouse on a TV monitor.

Jensen and fellow Dane Carsten Hassing, coach of the women's heavyweight crew, joined the Canada team in 2006.

"Ninety-five per cent of the way I look at rowing comes from Bent," Hassing said. "He was a mentor, but more than anything he was a friend."

Jensen was named rowing's world coach of the year in 1998.

"It was a pleasure and an honor to have Bent part of the Rowing Canada team," said Phil Monckton, Rowing Canada's high performance director. "In addition to his remarkable record, he brought with him a wonderful influence on his peers and athletes.

"He was calm, gentle and quick-witted, yet very competitive. We will miss him greatly."

Jensen's funeral will be held next Tuesday in Denmark. He was survived by his wife, two daughters from a previous marriage, and his sister.

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