Stroke by stroke, rowing competition fosters friendship among global youth

NANJING, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- More than 300 rowers from 34 universities around the world competed in the 2026 Nanjing International Universities Rowing Open on the Qinhuai River in east China's Jiangsu Province last weekend.

Photo: https://www.chinanews.com.cn

The two-day regatta, now in its fourth year, brought together 41 university teams, including crews from the University of Oxford, the University of Washington, the University of Sydney, Tsinghua University and Nanjing University, combining high-level competition with intercultural exchange.

Australia's University of Technology Sydney dominated the men's events, winning both the men's 1,000m sprint and the men's indoor rowing 4x500m relay.

In the women's events, the Women of Washington Rowing Team also claimed two titles, winning the women's 1,000m sprint and the women's indoor rowing 4x500m relay.

For many participants, however, the experience extended beyond the results. Grace Worthington, a member of the Women of Washington Rowing Team, said she was impressed by the local hospitality. "We've really enjoyed our time here in Nanjing, just getting to meet all the friendly people," she said.

Worthington also noted the mix of experience within the teams. "We can get fresh new ideas because there are students that have never rowed before, but we also get a lot of really experienced people as well."

She said one of the group's main takeaways was that rowing is universal. "No matter what country you're in, it's a collective sport that everyone can really embody."

Chinese university teams also gained valuable experience.

He Feng, an athlete with the Nanjing University Rowing Team, said the experience was unforgettable and that training and competing alongside overseas crews made the season especially rewarding. "The overseas rowers possess a high training standard. Their power output and technical movements show solid fundamentals forged by long-term professional training. We respected each other's fighting spirit."

He added that sport itself serves as a bond connecting people from different regions and backgrounds. After the races, athletes exchanged team flags, badges and other small souvenirs. He also noted foreign teams' interest in traditional Chinese culture, with a martial arts demonstration among the activities that drew their attention.

Patrick Russell from Cambridge University shared similar sentiments. "There are so many crews from around the world. Everyone's going to leave Nanjing with great memories and stories to tell. I'll go back to England and tell those stories about rowing in China," he said.

Away from the competition, athletes explored some of Nanjing's cultural attractions, taking a cruise on the Yangtze River and visiting landmarks including the Grand Bao'en Temple.

Cora Madison from the Women of Washington Rowing Team said the city tour offered a glimpse into different sides of Nanjing. "The ancient tower tour let us feel Nanjing's profound historical and cultural heritage, while the river cruise made us realize the river's vital role in the city's development," she said.

Near the competition venue, stalls featuring intangible cultural heritage handicrafts, cultural and creative products, and local snacks drew large crowds. Foreign athletes and local residents tried traditional crafts and sampled local food, while many stopped to take photos.

Organizers have also sought to introduce rowing to more university students. Since June, a series of "rowing into campus" activities have been held at universities across Nanjing, featuring rowing exhibitions, indoor rowing challenges and team recruitment. The activities have attracted about 1,100 students and teachers.

Axel Mueller, council member of the World Rowing Federation and chair of the Youth Rowing Commission, said the event is much more than a sporting competition.

"It is an intercultural exchange, and we are delighted to see it flourish," he said, adding that sports such as rowing naturally bring young people together and help foster mutual understanding and friendship.