Rowing is not just a physical act; it is also an exercise in inner endurance, a struggle against oneself, and a connection with the water, which becomes both stage and rival at the same time. In this spirit, Shanghai is preparing to open its doors to the world with the 2025 Rowing World Championship, an event that will gather the largest number of participants since the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
From September 21 to 28, nearly 900 athletes from 56 delegations will bring to life a spectacle of strength, technique, and emotion across 23 boat classes. More than numbers, it is about stories: men and women who have dedicated years to perfecting every stroke, every strategy, and every moment of concentration to reach this point, in pursuit of a world title that transcends medals and statistics.
Clash of giants on Shanghai waters
The men’s single scull will undoubtedly be one of the most anticipated events. Returning to the scene is Oliver Zeidler, Olympic and world champion, who will face familiar names such as Yauheni Zalaty and Simon Van Dorp, as well as New Zealander Logan Ullrich, a young talent who has already made history at the Lucerne World Cup. The intensity of this encounter goes beyond competition: it represents rowing as a discipline where every second and every stroke can change destiny.
In the women’s field, the absence of Karolien Florijn, Olympic and world champion, opens a unique opportunity for new figures. The spotlight falls on Lauren Henry, the undefeated Brit since her debut, who arrives with the strength and freshness of someone who has not yet experienced defeat. Her meteoric rise reminds us that in sports there is always room for surprises and that each generation writes its own pages of glory.
New formats and shared dreams
The 2025 Rowing World Championship will not only bring together the most experienced, but it will also be a stage for innovations that speak to inclusion and evolution. The PR3 mixed double scull, with a record of 14 participants, will bring fresh and exciting combinations. Germany, with Kathrin Marchand and Valentin Luz, has already shown strength at the European Championship and aims to establish itself as a reference in this discipline. At the same time, the official debut of the mixed double scull and the inclusion of the mixed eights clearly show that rowing continues to reinvent itself, creating space for new experiences and human connections.
China, as the host country, will play a leading role by competing in 20 of the 23 categories. Among its greatest hopes are Yunxia Chen and Ling Zhang, Olympic champions in Tokyo 2020, who arrive in the women’s double scull with the mission of giving their audience moments of pride and emotion. The energy of competing at home can become the extra drive that transforms every stroke into a symbol of national identity and resilience.
