Athletes’ Commission Election Continue in Qingdao: Coastal Rowing Vote Comes During the 2026 Beach Sprint Finals

First, flatwater rowers weighed in on who would represent them at Amsterdam’s Bosbaan during the 2026 World Rowing Championships. Now, coastal rowers and beach sprint athletes will vote in the World Rowing Athletes’ Commission at the 2026 World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals in Qingdao, China’s Yellow Sea.

As the voice of rowing competitors, commission members make sure athletes’ views are heard at World Rowing. They listen to what matters to their fellow athletes, bring their ideas and concerns to the table, and work with World Rowing to improve the sport for everyone who competes.

The commission holds elections every four years, halfway through the Olympic cycle. Six candidates are contesting for one coastal rowing seat this time, with the election running from 18-20 October.

The Athletes Commission has 10 members, including at least one para-rower and four classic rowers, and serves as a liaison between active national team rowers and World Rowing. In addition to the five athlete-elected positions on the Commission, the Athletes’ Commission Election and Appointment Committee recommends the other five positions to the World Rowing Council; it is constituted at the start of the relevant election year and oversees the election process.

Lenka Dienstbach-Wech chairs this year’s election committee, and its members include Ronald Chen, Mehdi Garidi, Guin Batten and Frida Svensson. Svensson is the outgoing chair of the Athletes’ Commission and will be on site during the Beach Sprint Finals. Svensson encourages athletes to come say hello, ask questions and share their views on the role of the Athletes’ Commission within World Rowing.

“The Athletes’ Commission is the athletes’ voice within World Rowing, representing them at the highest level of our organisation. The election is an important opportunity for coastal athletes to choose who they want to represent their interests,” said Svensson.

“I encourage every eligible athlete to get to know this year’s candidates, consider what matters most to them, and take part in the vote,” added Svensson. “A strong Athletes’ Commission depends on athletes being engaged and making their voices heard.

“World Rowing puts athletes at the centre of its decision-making. Make sure your voice is part of that process.”

You can find the list of candidates here.