The duo were part of the gold-medal Four in Tokyo and have since shifted their attention to the smaller boat.
Now they have another Olympic medal to add to their collection after a brave row at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium to kickstart the first of four medal races for Australia in coming days.
Victory went to the brilliant Dutch crew of Ymkje Cleverling and Veronique Meester (6:58.67), who added the Olympic title to their world title.
They were dominant throughout, blasting out of the start to set up a commanding lead and never looked in danger.
Annabelle and Jessica tried gamely to stick with them and make a late charge, but couldn’t make up any ground, then were rowed through near the line as the Romanians made a late surge to just nab the silver.
The Dutch finished in 6:58.67, Romania 7:02.97 and the Australians in 7:03.54.
The Rowsellas have three more boats in A Finals on Saturday with Tara Rigney in the Single Sculls and the men’s and women’s Eights.
Credit: Phil Lutton | Australian Olympic Committee
