Meet the Candidates: 25 Athletes Run for the World Rowing Athletes’ Commission

Twenty-five athletes, representing six continents and two rowing disciplines, stand for election to the World Rowing Athletes Commission (AC) during the World Rowing Championships – Amsterdam 2026 and at the 2026 World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals in Qingdao.

The list of candidates, approved by the World Rowing Council, comprises 13 men and 12 women. The AC will comprise 10 members, including at least 4 representing classic rowing, 1 representing para rowing, and 1 representing coastal rowing. Five members will be elected, and the other five will be appointed by the Council.

The candidate list for the 2026 Athletes’ Commission elections has been approved by the World Rowing Executive Committee – you can find it here.

Elections

Elections will take place during the 2026 World Rowing Championships, Amsterdam, the Netherlands (4 elected positions, for classic rowing, including para rowing) and at the 2026 World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals, Qingdao, China (1 elected position, for coastal rowing). Election results will then be announced for the five elected AC members.

Each athlete holding an athlete accreditation for the relevant World Championships during which the election takes place will have the right to vote in person. Prior to the elections, World Rowing will provide information on the World Rowing website, presenting all candidates and outlining the upcoming election, including the actual voting dates and voting instructions.

Appointments

The appointment process will follow the elections. The Council will appoint the remaining five members. The candidates for the appointments will include those who were not elected and may include others. Such appointments shall ensure gender equality and diverse representation.

The Athletes’ Commission election and appointment process will result in:

1. 50% elected and 50% appointed members.
2. 10 members in total, including a minimum of 4 representing classic rowing, 1 representing para rowing, and 1 representing coastal rowing.
3. Continued emphasis on full gender equality and diverse representation.

Promotion & Conduct of Candidates

Candidate promotional activities shall be carried out in accordance with the 2026 Athletes’ Commission Elections & Appointments: Rules of Conduct for Elections, which can be found here. All candidates should be familiar with these rules.

Importantly, candidates and Member Federations must refrain from all types of self-promotion during World Rowing events, both onsite and on social media.

Any promotional activity, or any materials produced, by any person or organisation directly or indirectly connected to a candidate, or by the candidate themselves, must be carried out with dignity, moderation and respect towards other candidates as well as all athletes.

If you have any questions, please send an email to Ludovica Caprino, Governance and Integrity Manager: ludovica.caprino@worldrowing.com

Candidates Standing for Election

Find out about the list of candidates standing for election here: 2026 World Rowing Athletes’ Commission Election