While rowing has been an Olympic staple since 1900, a new twist has been added with the arrival of this discipline on Senegal’s Atlantic coast.
The competition begins on dry land with an athlete running down the beach, boarding their boat and rowing out 250m to a marker buoy before turning sharply and racing back.
Once they return to shore, they then jump out of the boat and sprint back up the beach to touch a buzzer on the finish line. The fastest time wins.
“It’s super fun. It’s a lot more exciting than traditional rowing,” 17-year-old USA’s Isaac Moos told Olympics.com.
“Things can change in an instant.”
Beachfront spectators have the benefit of being able to witness a whole race and the unpredictability of sea conditions adds an extra element to competition.
“The waves are constantly changing and one small mistake can cost you,” said Su Juntao, who won gold for China in the mixed double sculls.
“You have to push for more speed while keeping your mistakes to a minimum. That’s what makes it so challenging and exciting.”
And this is just the start for coastal rowing at the Olympics, because it is set to replace the lightweight double sculls category at LA 2028.
Source: www.bbc.com
