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By Martin Cross
SHANGHAI — So far, the 2026 World Rowing Shanghai Sprints have generated an atmosphere like no other rowing event. Sure, there have been a fair few 500-meter events in the sport’s history. But none quite like, or as big as, this one. Team USA are just one of the eight outfits here who will compete for significant prize money, across six events, as well as taking home a good appearance dividend too.
The organizers—who won’t have much change out of $5 million—have used the historic center of Shanghai, along the Huangpu River Bund, to create a sensational head-to-head sprint course. It features a bend—yes, a bend—together with a staggered start! It’s measured perfectly by laser to ensure both lanes race the same distance.
At first I figured, What the hell is this course that has a bend on it, where the world’s best rowers will come and joust over the next five years? But then I remembered that track and field sees athletes race on a bendy track, with staggered starts, too. Our sport has to innovate. Now, I’ve changed my mind and I’m thinking: Bring it on! Navigating the bend will really add to the thrill of the contest.
Team USA’s rowers were out practicing in their small boats today. Sam Melvin was trying out his brand-new single. Jacob Plihal and Cedar Cunningham likewise had a new shiny, bright double, as did Izzy Darvin and Grace Joyce. Cunningham and Sophia Vitas looked sharp as they reprised their mixed double that took bronze in the recent world championships.
With the USA eight not paddling today, that left Teal Cohen and Kate Knifton—who will race in the mixed eight—training on the ergometers. But rumor has it they later snuck off to one of Shanghai’s famous shopping districts.
In fact, the venue has an atmosphere like no other. The organizers have somehow managed to pedestrianize one of Shanghai’s busiest streets. The result? Everywhere you look, you see rowers with broad smiles on their faces. They’re all staying in an athlete village and have time to talk—really talk—to each other. No team managers either, just rowers who are team captains who attend the meetings. What’s not to like?
Sure, there’s a bit of jet lag. Germany’s Olympic singles champion Olli Zeidler flew in today from his Canadian holiday. But the competitive buzz is there. Can’t wait for the racing to begin.
