December 2025: Martyna Kazlauskaite & Dominykas Jancionas

ROWER OF THE MONTH – At the 2025 World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals in Türkiye last month, Lithuanian duo Martyna Kazlauskaite and Dominykas Jancionis defended their coastal mixed double sculls world title, cementing themselves as leaders in the growing beach sprint field. They are the final Rowers of the Month for 2025.

How did you get into rowing?

Martyna Kazlauskaite (MK): I first discovered rowing through a friend of my parents who happened to be a rowing coach. After meeting me, he suggested I give the sport a try because of my physical attributes. This intrigued me and the very next day I found myself at my first rowing practice. Once I actually got into the boat, my interest grew even more.

Dominykas Jancionis (DJ): A friend invited me to try rowing. Before that, I had tried many other sports such as football, basketball, karate, but I spent most of my childhood swimming.

At the age of 14, I quit everything, stopped doing sports for a year, and felt completely out of place. My days were boring, and I realised I couldn’t live without sports. Then a friend suggested I join him for rowing and even promised that by 2012 we would be at the Olympics, even though I had only just started rowing in 2008.

Of course, we didn’t make it to the London Olympics, but somehow, ever since I first got in the boat in 2008, I still haven’t left.

Dominykas, what was your best memory from the Olympic Games you have competed in?

DJ: I have participated in two Olympic Games. Unfortunately, Tokyo did not leave many memorable moments, as Covid restrictions meant we couldn’t visit anything. In 2016, I competed at the Rio Olympics, my first Olympic Games, and it was an enjoyable experience, not just for the competition, but also for spending time with the team, travelling, exploring new places and trying all kinds of food.

Martyna, you have several world and European under 23 medals, including 2023 under 23 women’s pair gold – what sort of confidence did that give you as a young rower?

MK: My experiences at the Under 23 Championships varied a lot, as the boat classes and crewmates kept changing. Winning gold in the under 23 women’s pair was an indescribable moment. It was a completely new experience and made me realise that even things that once seemed impossible can be achieved. That victory gave my confidence a huge boost, and every competition since has strengthened my belief in myself.

What made you take up beach sprints?

MK: I first tried beach sprints in 2024. Earlier that year, I was still competing in classic rowing events and had raced at the European Championships. There were no Olympic boat class events at the 2024 World Rowing Championships because of the Olympic Games, and since I hadn’t qualified for the Olympics, my season was set to end early. That’s when Dominykas suggested I take part in the selection for the beach sprints. I gave it a try, and that is how I experienced beach sprint rowing for the first time.

DJ: In 2024, after many years of unsuccessful seasons in classic rowing, I was seriously considering hanging up my oars. I felt stuck, no longer improving, and disappointed with my results. But then Žygimantas Gališanskis encouraged me to try beach sprints. I gave it a shot, loved it, and from that moment on I began training specifically for beach sprints. And the rest, as they say, is history.

What makes beach sprints special and what do you enjoy most about it?

MK: It is special to me because this is the discipline in which I won my first medals in the senior age group. We are also the first athletes from Lithuania to compete in this new Olympic sport. I love the variety in training and the whole environment – the beach, the sand, the sun and the waves.

DJ: It is special because it combines so many elements, not just rowing. Running, navigating buoys, steering, waves – all of it adds a unique charm to the sport. The shorter distance, tighter margins and more dramatic finishes make it even more exciting. I especially like the head-to-head racing format, where the result often comes down to the final run. When both crews reach the shore at the same time, you never know who will win until the finish button is hit.

Why do you think your combination is successful?

MK: We complement each other. I don’t like looking around, so Dominykas takes care of that. We run fast, we row fast, and Dominykas has great orientation on the course and in the turns. We also have a very good support team that plays a crucial role in preparing the boat.

DJ: In my opinion, we are a strong team because each of us brings different strengths that complement one another. Martyna is a great sprinter, the coach and boat handlers execute their tasks precisely, and I focus on steering the boat as accurately as possible. We give everything we have and every action counts, which is why staying focused before the start is so important – it gives us the advantage.

What does a typical week’s training look like for a beach sprint world champion?

MK: We train twice a day. Typically one session on the water and the other either running or strength work and recovery.

DJ: A typical week includes six days of training: six rowing sessions, a couple of running sessions and a couple of weightlifting sessions. If there is any time left, I also go for a bike ride.

How is the coastal rowing scene in Lithuania developing?

MK: Interest in the sport is growing and more people want to give it a try. Competitions are being organised, and there is increasing investment in new equipment, oars, boats and clothing.

What do you think the impact of beach sprints’ inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games will be?

DJ: The inclusion of beach sprints in the 2028 Olympics will give the sport a major boost. Visibility, funding and athlete interest will all increase, encouraging more countries to invest in training, expand infrastructure and elevate the level of competition both nationally and internationally.

Where is your favourite place to row?

MK: In Trakai, because I have spent the most time there and it is a very beautiful place to row.

DJ: Trakai will always be one of the most beautiful and my absolute favourite places to row. When it comes to coastal rowing, Monaco definitely ranks among my favourite locations.

Has there been someone who has inspired you (in life or rowing), and why?

MK: My mother, because she gives 100 per cent to everything she does, whether it is an activity, a task or a challenge. Her example has taught me not to approach even simple things superficially and to pay attention to every detail.

DJ: There isn’t one specific person who inspires me, but since I started beach sprints, I have been greatly inspired by the dedication, determination and strong teamwork I see in others. Their example gives me constant motivation and drive.

What’s the best piece of advice anyone’s ever given you?

MK: Not to be afraid to pursue what you truly want and trust in what you are doing. Appreciate every victory in life, both big and small.

DJ: “Focus on yourself.”