World Rowing decision on Ukrainian athletes participating in the 2022 World Rowing Virtual Indoor Championships

World Rowing considers athlete safety to be of the utmost importance. In light of the recent situation in Ukraine, World Rowing recognises that the Ukrainian athletes who have already qualified for the 2022 World Rowing Virtual Indoor Championships may be unable to compete in their final races safely. These races are scheduled to take place from 25-26 February 2022.

World Rowing has contacted the four Ukrainian athletes who have listed their race day locations as within Ukraine, and advised them to take no unnecessary risks to try and compete in their final race of the WRICH.

The World Rowing Executive Committee has determined that, in the event that a Ukrainian athlete is unable to compete in their 2022 WRICH final race due to safety concerns, they will be allocated a final ranking based on their qualification score compared to scores raced in their respective live final. Their ranking would be tied with the live rankings, and in the case of any top 3 rankings, two medals of that same rank would be issued. For example, if the qualification score of a Ukrainian athlete would have placed them in second place in the live races, both the Ukrainian athlete and the athlete who ranked in second place in the live race would receive a silver medal. The third ranked athlete would receive a bronze medal. This would apply only to the four Ukrainian athletes who have listed their race day location as within the Ukraine.

This decision has been made in consideration of the sudden and exceptional situation in Ukraine, which is evolving rapidly. It is an exceptional decision and shall set no precedent for future decisions for any World Rowing event; and no such exceptions would be made in situations concerning, for example but without limitation, medical withdrawals, local weather conditions, or poor internet connection.

The World Rowing Executive Committee’s thoughts are with the impacted athletes during this difficult time.