The Rowing – Summer Games 2024

The Rowing events all involve competitors racing over a distance of 2,000m. There are different formats, individual and teams of two, four or eight rowers competing in two disciplines: sculling (with an oar in each hand) or sweep rowing (with a single oar, held in both hands). In 2024, the Rowing events involve seven boats for women and seven boats for men and so there are 14 events in total.

Schedule

Records

Traditional Rowing Powers:

Traditional rowing powerhouses include countries like the United States, Great Britain, and Germany. These nations have consistently performed well and have a substantial medal count in Summer Games rowing events.

Multiple Medalists:

Some rowers have achieved multiple Summer Games medals, showcasing their longevity and excellence in the sport. Athletes like Sir Steve Redgrave (Great Britain) and Ekaterina Karsten (Belarus) are among those with impressive rowing careers.

Boat Classes:

Eights Dominance:

The men's and women's eight events are considered prestigious in rowing. These events involve eight rowers and a coxswain in a shell. Countries with strong rowing traditions often target success in the eights, contributing to their overall standing in rowing.

Sculling and Sweeping:

Rowing events are divided into sculling and sweeping categories. In sculling, rowers use two oars each, while in sweeping, rowers use one oar. Events like the single sculls (1x) and the coxless pairs (2-) are examples of sculling and sweeping, respectively.

Course and Racing Format:

Regatta Courses:

Summer Games rowing competitions take place on regatta courses specifically designed for rowing events. The courses are typically straight, with each lane marked by buoys. The standard distance for rowing events is 2,000 meters.

Heats, Semifinals, and Finals:

Rowing competitions at the Summer Games follow a format involving heats, semifinals, and finals. The fastest boats from the heats progress to the next round, culminating in the finals where medals are awarded based on finishing times.

Historical Moments:

Close Finishes and Upsets:

Summer Games rowing has witnessed numerous close finishes and unexpected upsets, adding to the drama and excitement of the sport. Races often come down to fractions of a second, showcasing the competitiveness of the field.

Notable Achievements:

Some of the most memorable moments in Summer Games rowing history include historic achievements, such as records broken, dominant performances, and inspiring displays of sportsmanship.

Did you know that..

1. Rowing made its debut at the Summer Games in Paris in 1900. Since then, it has been a regular feature of the Games program, with men's and women's events across various boat classes.

2. The Summer Games rowing program includes a variety of boat classes, ranging from single sculls (1x) to eights (8+). Each boat class has a different number of rowers and requires a unique combination of skill, teamwork, and strategy.

3. The men's and women's eights events are considered prestigious in rowing. The eights involve eight rowers and a coxswain navigating the course. Winning a gold medal in the eights is highly coveted in the rowing community.

4. Summer Games rowing competitions take place on regatta courses, which are specifically designed for rowing events. The standard distance for rowing races in the Games is 2,000 meters, with each lane marked by buoys.

5. Rowing events are categorized into sculling and sweeping. In sculling events, rowers use two oars each, such as in the single sculls (1x) or double sculls (2x). In sweeping events, rowers use one oar, as seen in the coxless pairs (2-) or coxless fours (4-).