Challenging conditions as University Rowers take on FISU World University Rowing Championships

At the conclusion of racing at the FISU World University Rowing Championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands – Italy, Poland and Czechia dominated the medal table. Crews battled changing weather conditions over the whole regatta, with the final session just completed before wild storm force winds arrived. Delise OMeally member of the FISU Executive Committee and Paola MATRINGE, FISU Sport Manager commented that the Organising Committee deserve our sincere thanks. “Under extremely difficult conditions, the event was staged essentially without issue. Yes, literally everything changed, but the Teams were happy and they adapted well to the new arrangements that were quickly put in place by the Organising Committee Chair Pauline Damhof and her team.

Technical Commission Chair, Matt Draper from World Rowing, commented on the importance of the regatta. “Most National Federations in World Rowing use this event as a way to introduce their next generation of athletes to international racing. Importantly however, we place as much emphasis on developing a sense of camaraderie and community between the teams. These athletes will spend a lot of time in high performance sport and so the chance to develop friendships at this early stage in their career – is hugely valuable.”

FISU is the World University Sports Federation. Competitors must be current or immediate past University students, under 25 and a national of their country. This year the event was held in Rotterdam – the Netherlands with 26 University member federations taking part. In 2025, the event moves to Duisburg for the FISU Summer Games. At the conclusion of the event, Dan Bechard the Chair of the 2026 London Ontario Organising Committee accepted the FISU Flag. The City of London and Western University (site of the Athlete Village) will host the 2026 FISU World University Rowing Championships on the famous Lake Fanshawe.

All the results from Rotterdam can be found here on the Time Team website: FISU WUCR – Argo Sprint – NSRF Slot | Time-Team

Rewatch the A-Finals here: FISU WUCR – Argo Sprint – NSRF Slot | Time-Team