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The top talents in rowing will gather at the regatta course from July 23 to 26 to compete for world championship titles. The organizing club, Regatta Duisburg expects around 50 nations to take part in the 2026 World Rowing Under 23 Championships, competing for more than 20 titles ranging from single sculls to eights.
This expectation appears well-founded: the first national federations have already confirmed their participation at the Duisburg regatta course. Australia, Great Britain, New Zealand, and the United States have all officially committed to attending. It goes without saying that the German national team will not miss the opportunity to compete on home soil.
Guests of the World Rowing
In the meantime, Matt Draper, Project Manager of the world governing body World Rowing, and Marketing Director Christian Osterode have personally visited Duisburg to assess the progress of preparations. During their visit, discussions also covered which future events World Rowing may host in Duisburg.
Tobias Weysters, President Rowing at Regatta Duisburg and President of the Organizing Committee of the WRU23Ch, commented on the international recognition of the venue:
“World Rowing is delighted to be back in Duisburg. We were already able to demonstrate our capabilities here during the World University Games in summer 2025.”
With the hosting of the U23 European Championships in September 2020, the team had already established a strong reputation. Organizing the event under the challenging conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic proved demanding, but Duisburg mastered it impressively and gained significant recognition as an event venue.
Promoting the Olympic Bid: Cologne Rhine-Ruhr
With the completion of the new regatta building in early summer, the venue now also meets the highest modern standards in terms of infrastructure and grandstands. Tobias Weysters stated:
“Following the redevelopment, we now have one of the most modern courses in the world.”
It is no coincidence that Duisburg has been included in the Olympic bid of Cologne Rhine-Ruhr Olympic bid for rowing and canoeing. Regatta Duisburg is therefore advocating for a “yes” in the upcoming local referendum.
By hosting the U23 World Championships, the city of Duisburg once again demonstrates that it is ready for major international events. More than 20 medal decisions in rowing and para-rowing are scheduled across four days of competition. The organizers expect around 1,000 athletes from approximately 50 nations.
Tobias Weysters explains:
“We are working closely with DuisburgSport. Regatta course manager Mirko Günther and his team are supporting us in providing perfect racing conditions for the athletes.”
Regatta Duisburg as Local Organizer
The organizer of the World Rowing Under 23 Championships, taking place from July 23 to 26 in Duisburg, is World Rowing. The event is hosted by the German Rowing Federation, while the local organization has been entrusted to the volunteer-run club Regatta Duisburg.
