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As the German men’s quadruple sculls crew powered past the grandstand, the atmosphere at the Duisburg Regatta Course reached another level. Stroke by stroke, the quartet closed the gap to Poland, raised the pace in the closing metres, and surged into second place. Behind Great Britain, Mads Schmied, Yannik Sens, Paavo Tore Schewe, and Jakob Rastetter crossed the finish line to claim the silver medal. After the medal ceremony, the four newly crowned World Championship silver medallists embraced in celebration.
“It is an incredible feeling to complete that comeback in front of such an amazing crowd,” said stroke seat Mads Schmied. The enthusiastic support from spectators lining the course carried the home team through the first day of finals at the World Rowing Under 23 Championships on the newly modernised Duisburg Regatta Course.
World titles awarded in ten boat classes
The German Rowing Federation celebrated another silver medal on Saturday, with Tom Ohlbrich and Christian Aethner finishing second in the men’s double sculls.
“We gave absolutely everything in the final and we’re incredibly happy to come away with the medal,” said Tom Ohlbrich.
A total of ten world championship titles were decided on the third day of competition.
Beyond Germany’s medal successes, the finals also produced a number of emotional moments. Greece’s Eleni Diavati called home via video after winning her world title and was unable to hold back her tears of joy. Australian silver medallist Jack Hansen-Knarhoi proudly walked around the regatta venue with his medal around his neck.
“The atmosphere was fantastic. I’ve never experienced anything like it,” said the teenager from Perth.
Double golds for Greece, Great Britain, and the USA
Australia was the most successful nation of the day with three gold medals. Greece, Great Britain, and the United States each claimed two world titles, while Portugal secured one additional gold medal.
The World Rowing Under 23 Championships conclude on Sunday, 26 July, at the Duisburg Regatta Course. Racing begins at 9:05 a.m., with a further ten A Finals starting from 10:00 a.m. Numerous German crews will once again be competing for medals as the host nation looks to improve its overall medal tally.
Tickets still available for Sunday’s finals
Tickets for the final day of competition are still available. They can be purchased online at duisburg2026.com or at the ticket office at the Duisburg Regatta Course.
The 2026 World Rowing Under 23 Championships are financially supported by the Federal Government of Germany, the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, the City of Duisburg, the Regionalverband Ruhr, and the Sparkassen Sports Foundation.
For further information, including start lists, schedules, the racing programme, and results, visit www.duisburg2026.com.
