The World Rowing Awards 2024 lit up Seville, gathering the global rowing community to honor the sport's finest achievements and commemorate an extraordinary year. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Andalusian capital, the prestigious event at the Barceló Renacimiento Hotel celebrated remarkable athletes, historic teams, and dedicated coaches whose hard work and passion define the sport.
Attendees included international and national rowing dignitaries, reinforcing Seville’s status as a premier destination for rowing. This year’s awards were especially significant, recognizing the influence of the Paris 2024 Olympics and spotlighting legends and emerging stars who continue to push the sport forward.
Dutch Quadruple Scull and Romanian Women's Eight, Victors in Paris 2024, Crowned at the World Rowing Awards 2024 in Seville
The Dutch Quadruple Scull and the Romanian Women’s Eight, celebrated champions at Paris 2024, were the stars of the World Rowing Awards 2024 held in the heart of Seville, an international hub for rowing. The ceremony took place at the Barceló Renacimiento Hotel in La Cartuja, bringing together the brightest stars of the sport to reaffirm Seville’s place as a global rowing epicenter.
In this Olympic year, Paris 2024 proved to be a defining influence on the selection of award recipients, with fierce competition among nominees of the highest caliber. The Dutch team clinched the Men’s Crew of the Year Award. Koen Metsemakers, Tone Wieten, Finn Florijn, and Lennart Van Lierop brought home Olympic gold from Vaires-Sur-Marne, defending the title they won in Tokyo. Their flawless technique, coordination, and teamwork have kept them undefeated since the 2023 World Cup III in Lucerne.
The Women’s Crew of the Year award went to the Romanian Eight, whose exceptional performance at the Olympics earned Romania its tenth medal in the women's eight event, matching the USA's record with four Olympic titles. This elite crew includes notable athletes such as Ancuta Bodnar, Simona Radis, Roxana Anghel, and Ioana Vrinceanu.
A Gathering of International and National Rowing Dignitaries
The event welcomed the most influential figures in rowing, led by World Rowing President and IOC member Jean Christophe Rolland. Other notable attendees included Ricardo Leiva, COE Sports Director; Asunción Loriente, President of the Spanish Federation; Miguel Ángel Millán, President of the Andalusian Rowing Federation; and Patricia del Pozo, Minister of Culture and Sport of the Andalusian government. They celebrated Seville’s upcoming hosting of the 2026 World Rowing Cup.
Patricia del Pozo warmly welcomed attendees, stating, “Seville is one of the best places for this event, as shown by today’s Sevilla-Betis Regatta. For the Andalusian government, this event represents our commitment to sports and acknowledges the ongoing work of our institutions and rowing clubs, which have earned international acclaim over the years.”
A Minute of Silence for the DANA Victims
During the event, attendees observed a minute of silence to honor those affected by the recent DANA storm in Valencia, a tragedy that caused immense loss and devastation in Spain.
International Rowing President’s Address
Jean Christophe Rolland, World Rowing President, expressed gratitude, stating, “We are thrilled to be in Seville, and I thank the Andalusian and Seville authorities for supporting this special event. We celebrate rowing, the values that define our sport, and honor the athletes, coaches, and their dedication and passion.”
The "Oscar of Rowing": Thomas Keller Medal for Richard Schmidt
The prestigious Thomas Keller Medal was awarded to German rowing legend Richard Schmidt. A central figure of Germany’s men’s eight, Schmidt boasts an impressive record with three Olympic medals, including gold at London 2012, six world championships, and nine European titles. His legacy extends beyond his achievements to his commitment to clean sports as a representative of athletes in the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Paralympic and Coaching Honors
British rowers Lauren Rowles, the first to win three Paralympic titles, and Gregg Stevenson received the Paralympic Crew of the Year award for their remarkable performance in the Mixed Double Scull category. Antonio Colamonici, the Italian coach revolutionizing Romanian rowing, was awarded Coach of the Year, and Dr. Alain Lacoste, Olympian and long-time anti-doping advocate, was recognized for Distinguished Service to International Rowing.
A Night of Triumph in Seville
The evening also celebrated Annabel Eyres from Great Britain with the Artistic Contribution to Rowing Award, and the Program of the Year Award was presented to Fulham Reach Boat Club, marking a double honor for British rowing on an unforgettable night. Once again, Seville shone as a prestigious host for the international rowing community.
The World Rowing Awards 2024 was a night to remember, not only for its celebration of rowing excellence but also for the unity it fostered within the global rowing community.
From honoring Olympic champions and legendary athletes to recognizing the visionaries and coaches shaping the sport's future, the event showcased the power of dedication and teamwork. The evening left attendees inspired, reminding everyone that rowing is not just a sport, but a testament to perseverance, passion, and the pursuit of greatness.
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