Aussie crews brace for ‘quick racing’ in Shanghai World Titles

By Rupert Guinness with the Rowsellas in Shanghai 

Australian Men’s Head Coach Chris O’Brien says one major lesson from day one of the 2025 World Rowing Championships for the Rowsellas is to brace for “quick racing”.

Day one of the regatta in Shanghai featured a strong tailwind and warm overcast conditions that led to fast times and nail-biting races in Heats for Semi-Final berths.  

On day two, Australia will feature in Heats of the Men’s PR1 Single Sculls (Erik Horrie OAM PLY), Men’s Double Sculls, Men’s and Women’s Fours and Women’s Single Sculls (Romy Cantwell). 

O’Brien said after all those crews should be poised for “quick racing” on Monday. 

“You've got to make sure you're going to execute and be flawless,” O’Brien said. 

“You've got to come out with the pace and stay on it.  

“We saw crews come out with the pace, see from out front of the field and hold good position to the finish. So, is there is a lesson in that to staying in the game.  

“If we stay true to what we're capable of, then hopefully things take care of themselves.” 

For the Rowsellas, day two will be book-ended with Horrie who is coached by James Loveday and Cantwell, coached by Jamie McDonald, in their Single Sculls events. 

Two of the three other events for Australia feature the team’s strongest medal hopes in Shanghai – the Women’s Fours and Men’s Fours. 

The Men’s Four of Nikolas Pender, Fergus Hamilton, Austin Reinehr and Alexendar Hill OAM that O’Brien coaches won Gold in both World Cups regattas at Varese and Lucerne. 

The Women’s Four of Emmie Frederico, Eliza Gaffney, Georgina Rowe and Jacqeline Swick, coached by James Harris, are World Cup Silver medallists. 

The other Australian crew racing on is the Men’s Double Sculls combination of Mitchell Reinhard and Oscar McGuinness, coached by Nick Mitchell. 

Australian Crews Racing day two

12.15 (AEST) – PR1 Men’s Single Sculls Heats: Erik Horrie 

13.01 (AEST) – Men’s Double Sculls Heats: Mitchell Reinhard, Oscar McGuinness. 

13.21 (AEST) – Women’s Fours Heats: Emmie Frederico, Eliza Gaffney, Georgina Rowe, Jacqeline Swick  

13.33 (AEST) – Men’s Fours: Nikolas Pender, Fergus Hamilton, Austin Reinehr, Alexander Hill 

16.23 (AEST) – Women’s Single Sculls: Romy Cantwell