The year 2025 left a deep mark on world rowing, not only through results or medals, but through stories shaped by effort, reinvention and global expansion. From finals decided by thousandths of a second to new formats that reimagined the competitive experience, the sport delivered moments destined to remain in the memory of athletes and fans alike. World Rowing, after a year “living and breathing” rowing, brought together those defining instants of the season.
Beyond statistics, the Top 5 of 2025 reflects a sport in motion, open to new narratives and settings. Personal journeys, the rise of emerging disciplines and a commitment to innovation coexisted with rowing’s classic essence, creating a diverse narrative that speaks both to sporting excellence and cultural evolution.
Stories that defined the season
Among the most moving moments was the women’s single sculls world final featuring Irish rower Fiona Murtagh in Shanghai. With just one year of experience in the discipline, and after deep doubts about continuing in the sport, Murtagh reached a final that tested far more than her technique. She led from the start, withstood the pressure to the final stroke, and crossed the line with just a 0.03-second advantage in one of the closest finishes of the year.
That same balance between consistency and ambition was reflected in the figure of Christopher Bak, the most decorated Beach Sprint rower in history. In Antalya, he once again showed why he is a benchmark in a discipline preparing for its Olympic debut. His emphatic victory and his philosophy — viewing each title as something “borrowed” — speak of an athlete who embraces success without losing sight of risk and constant renewal.
Innovation, expansion and new ways of competing
The World Rowing Championships in Shanghai also marked an institutional and cultural turning point. The inclusion, for the first time, of mixed boats at a world championship event not only expanded the competition programme, but also sent a clear signal about the sport’s future. The debut of the mixed eight and the mixed double sculls, with strong international participation, showed an openness that resonates with new generations and social contexts.
That same spirit of expansion was reflected in the arrival of the World Rowing Versa Challenge in Singapore and the announcement of the World Rowing Shanghai Sprints. From multi-event indoor rowing to fast-paced urban regattas, 2025 confirmed that rowing is not confined to water or tradition. It adapts, explores and presents itself to the world in new forms, without losing the intensity or identity that define it.
