Rowing Australia selectors are "excited" about the prospects of the 10-boat Australian team selected for the 2026 Under 23 World Championships in Duisburg, Germany on July 23–26.
The selection of 32 athletes in the team follows the strategic integration of Australia’s best Under 23 rowers from both within Australia and the United States collegiate system, in a new initiative to bolster the talent pool depth for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The team’s main objective this year is the Under 23 World Championships. Longer-term, the goal for RA’s High-Performance Pathways Program is to provide development opportunities for these athletes. Many of the full team should be in the selection frame for Brisbane 2032.
This first integration of the Australian and US-based systems at this level and preparation of the Under 23 team has been supported every step of the way by Hancock Prospecting and the enduring commitment of Rowing Australia Patron Mrs Gina Rinehart AO. From trials and selection right through to the international stage, Hancock Prospecting’s investment plays a pivotal role in enabling Australian crews to prepare, perform and succeed globally.
Rowing Australia is also incredibly grateful for the significant support from the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), and the Australian Government through Minister for Sport Anika Wells, whose investment enables athletes, coaches and programs to perform on the world stage and represent our nation with pride.
RA Head of Pathways, Jason Lane said the support from Mrs Rinehart and Hancock Prospecting and RA’s key funders: “has been so important to the continued growth of rowing in Australia.
“That commitment, with the backing of the ASC, AIS and our partners and supporters, provides athletes and coaches with the resources needed to pursue excellence.”
The new approach by RA to implement a team selection process for the Under 23 World Championships that spans three continents – Australia, North America and Europe - has helped RA select the best possible combinations for Duisburg and to identify a deep pool of talent for the future.
Selection trials for the squad were first held in Australia in April for the Australian-based athletes. Another round of trials was held for US-based athletes, many of whom are studying at American universities, on Lake Carnegie in Princeton, New Jersey from June 10-12.
The full Under 23 squad was confirmed on June 16 when RA named 14 US-based athletes to join the Australian-based members at the European Training Centre (ETC) at Gavirate in Italy for the final round of selections for specific boats that were held over three days on Lake Varese.
The selection of the final crew line-ups and seat positions for the 10 Australian boats entered for the Under 23 World Championships was officially publicised by RA on 6 July.
“Selection for the Under 23 Australian team has occurred over several stages and in multiple locations,” Lane said.
“I am excited by the outcome, with most of our crews having a blend of athletes from both our Australian based pathway program and the US college-based programs.
“This has resulted in the selection of exciting crews to compete in Germany.”
Lane said the Australian team is optimistic about its chances at Duisburg.
“Our expectations are centred on performance,” Lane said. “Training indicators suggest we're in a strong position, but ultimately international racing is about delivering when it matters most.
“We believe we have several crews capable of performing at a high standard, with genuine opportunities to make A-Finals and compete for medals.
“What has been particularly encouraging is the depth across the team.”
However, Lane said the overarching goal of the Under 23 World Championships extends beyond short term success in Duisburg to also helping athletes develop with one eye on the future.
“The World Championships are obviously about achieving results today, but also they are a critical step in the longer-term journey towards LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032,” he said.
“Every major international event provides invaluable experience in racing under pressure, learning how to perform on the world stage and understanding what it takes to consistently challenge the best nations.
“We're building not only speed but also capability, depth and culture within the program.
“Those experiences will pay dividends as we progress through the next two Olympic and Paralympic cycles.”
Lane said the Australian team has prepared well at the ETC in Italy since final boat selections were announced.
“The group has settled quickly, the combinations are working well, and the quality and consistency of training has been great,” Lane said.
“The athletes have embraced the challenge, and there's a real sense of excitement and purpose throughout the team as we prepare for racing.”
The team of 32 (including two reserves) has experience across its 10 boats – the PR3 Women’s Single Scull and PR3 Men’s Single Scull, the Women’s Four, Women’s Pair, Women’s Double Scull and Women’s Single Scull, and the Men’s Pair, Men’s Four, Men’s Quadruple Scull, and Men’s Eight.
More than half of the team competed at the 2025 Under 23 World Championships.
Four more athletes competed at the 2025 Under 19 World Rowing Championships. They are 2025 Under 19 World Championships Pair Silver Medallists, Lachlan Brown and Jack Hansen-Knarhoi who are the Under 23 Men’s Pair, Matias Moloney in the Men's Eight and Tobias Elias in the Men’s Quadruple Sculls.
Nineteen members are Australian-based and hail from five States - Queensland (6), Victoria (5), South Australia (4), NSW (3), and Western Australia (1).
Eleven members are US-based representing five Australian States – NSW (5), Queensland (2), South Australia (1), Victoria (1), Western Australia (1). One member is based in the United Kingdom.
“There's a genuine sense of optimism around this team,” Lane said.
“The athletes, coaches and staff have worked incredibly hard throughout the season, and they've earned the opportunity to test themselves against the world's best.
“We're proud of the way the group has prepared and represented Australian rowing.”
Australian Under 23 Team
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