Two Years to Go Until LA28: Para Rowers Set Their Sights on Los Angeles

The countdown is on. On 15 August 2026, the world marks two years to go until the opening of the LA28 Paralympic Games — and for Para Rowers around the world, the journey to Los Angeles is already well underway.

In two years’ time, the world’s best Para Rowers will take to the water at Marine Stadium in Long Beach, competing for Paralympic glory on one of sport’s biggest stages. There, five medal events will be contested: the PR1 Men’s and Women’s Single Sculls, the PR2 and PR3 Mixed Double Sculls, and the PR3 Mixed Coxed Four.

A total of 104 athlete quota places have been confirmed for Para Rowing, matching the quota from Paris 2024. The quota does not include coxswains.

For those targeting LA28, every training session, qualification regatta, and international race is another step towards Los Angeles. Every stroke is part of a journey that has already begun — one driven by ambition, commitment and the desire to compete at the highest level.

Determined. Unstoppable. United.

Those qualities define Para Rowing. Across nations, boat classes, and generations, Para Rowers continue to push the boundaries of performance and demonstrate the power of sport to create opportunity, connection, and belonging.

Their stories are as diverse as the countries they represent. Their ambitions, however, are universal: to race against the best in the world, perform at their highest level, and leave everything on the water.

For Ukraine’s Roman Polianskyi, a two-time Paralympic champion in the PR1 Men’s Single Sculls at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, rowing has become much more than a sport.

“I was attracted to rowing. Water has really become my ‘elixir of life.’”

Great Britain’s Benjamin Pritchard, one of the leading figures in Para Rowing, has spoken about the commitment required to perform at the highest level — and the place of Para Rowing within the wider sport.

“No one trains like we train. We’re fully integrated, and we’re invested in each other’s performances.”

For Australia’s Nikki Ayers, the Paris 2024 Paralympic champion in the PR3 Mixed Double Sculls, Para Rowing carries a message that extends well beyond the finish line.

“It’s a symbol of hope and never giving up on your dreams.”

Together, these voices capture the spirit of Para Rowing: exceptional athletic performance, teamwork, and determination — brought together in every stroke.

And now, with two years to go, the road to LA28 is taking shape.

The destination is Marine Stadium in Long Beach. The opportunity is Paralympic glory. The goal is already clear.

Los Angeles awaits.

LA28 Paralympic Para Rowing Schedule