What is U23 Rowing?

A rower may compete in an under-23 rowing event until 31st of December of the year in which he/she reaches the age of 22. Under-23 rowers tend to be rowers who are too old to race as juniors but are still in need of further development before they can rank among senior rowers competing at the Olympic Games and the senior World Rowing Championships.

Under-23 rowers are generally selected by their national federation following trials and then ranked for international under-23 rowing on the basis of their age. Many under-23 rowers are university students and some also row for their university.

The top event for the year for under-23 rowers is the World Rowing Under 23 Championships. The championships usually takes place in July and attract up to 1000 rowers from around the world. There are 22 boat classes to compete in, including eight lightweight boat classes. For European countries there is also the European Rowing Under 23 Championships.