Rowers Primed For Their Best At World Championships 

Hopes are high that the Rowsellas will be rewarded with medals at the 2025 World Championships in Shanghai. But just as importantly, says Rowing Australia Performance Director Paul Thompson, the titles will also confirm that the team is back on the right trajectory for a successful 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

As the 40-strong team fine-tuned preparations for the world championships, which run for a week from Sunday, Thompson was optimistic about their prospects. 

The team, including 29 debutants, will race in 11 boats at Shanghai, including two in Para-rowing. They are the men’s and women’s eight, men’s and women’s four, men’s and women’s pair, men’s double scull, men’s quad scull, women’s single scull, Para PR3 mixed double scull and PR1 men’s single scull. 

“The team has a good vibe,” Thompson said. “They’re determined and have been working well together. They hope to do themselves and Australia proud with how they race.” 

However, he added, with so many debutants, expectations should be measured.  

“We need to be realistic and go step by step through that. But we’ve got some really good crews, and I think that we’re going to go deep into the competition with them.” 

The team showed plenty of promise in their European campaign this year, at Varese and Lucerne 

Four-time Paralympic medallist Erik Horrie won gold in the PR1 single sculls at the two World Cups, while the crew of Lisa Greissl and Sam Stunnell won silver in the PR3 mixed double sculls at both regattas. 

“While a small squad, our two Para boats have demonstrated some fabulous speed,” Thompson said. 

  Live video streaming will be available on the World Rowing website

By: Rowing Australia 

Published: 18 September 2025