Monday, September 22nd, 2025 – Shanghai China 

Four Canadian crews were hard at work preparing for day 2 of the World Rowing Championships, and embracing the welcome shift in weather as the scorching heat gave way to more comfortable 30-degree days.

Starting off racing, Trevor Jones and Terek Been competed in the Men’s Double Sculls (M2x), finishing 5^th in their heat.

Following the M2X, the Women’s Four (W4-) took to the water at the Shanghai Water Sports Centre, going up against crews from the United States, Romania, Great Britain, China, and France.

Off to a quick start, the Canadian crew of Caileigh Filmer, Alexis Cronk, Sally Jones, and Brenna Randall went head-to-head with Romania and Germany. After a determined effort, the crew crossed the line in 5th place with a time of 6:40.79.

Reflecting on the race, Caileigh Filmer highlighted the team’s preparation and determination, saying, “We knew that we wanted to get into the race right off the start. Back home, we had really consistent training, and I was really confident in our crew going into today, and unfortunately, we don’t get another shot at the A Final, but I still have a lot of faith in this crew as we work towards LA and that we will be able to step it up. This definitely makes us hungry for the eight.”

For Sally Jones, the event marked a milestone as her first Senior World Rowing Championship appearance:

“As we were pulling into the start gates, I was thinking about all of the people cheering for us back home. It was my first time racing as a Senior with a leaf on my oar, and I think it was a pretty good race out there. We have some things to work on moving forward, but it was a really cool opportunity with this boat and team.”

The W4- will advance to the Final B on September 25^th at 10:45 PM PT, 1:45 AM EST, and September 26^th at 1:45 PM local time.

Following up with another Four, the Men’s team featuring Axel Ewashko, Ryan Clegg, Steven Rosts, and Joel Cullen competed in Heat 1, finishing 4^th in their race in 6:09.10, and advancing to the C Final on September 24^th at 12:00 pm local time.

Steven Rosts said, “I am disappointed in the result today. We didn’t execute the way we should have. We are going to learn from that, get into our rhythm, race our race, and play to our strengths. It’s important to rally and pick each other up; we have to make sure to learn from it and get in the right headspace.”

Katie Clark rounded out the racing for Canada on Sunday, finishing 4^th in her heat in 07:24.25 and securing her place in the Semifinals.

Clark is eager for the next stage of competition.

“It’s always good to get on the start line,” says Katie Clark. “I was pretty happy with my performance, but I definitely know there is room to grow. I have a few places I know I can improve on, which is exciting because the semis are going to be a real barn burner!”

Competing in the single boat for the first time this season, Clark embraces the challenge. “Your performance is all up to you. It’s really exciting and freeing, you know that it’s up to you to go perform how you’ve been working.”

In addition to the action on the water, World Rowing will be hosting its Ordinary Congress on Monday, September 29^th in Shanghai. 

Attending on RCA’s behalf will be Adam Parfitt, Jeff Powell and Carol Purcer.  The Congress materials can be found here.

This year, Congress will address the motion to establish continental diversity within the Executive Committee of World Rowing. Carol Purcer has been instrumental in advancing this effort to this point and will be on site for the final push to adoption.

In addition, this year will see the election of a new Chair of World Rowing’s Sports Medicine Commission. Dr Mike Wilkinson, who has served as Chief Medical Officer for RCA and the Canadian Olympic Committee, along with many other positions, is standing for election. RCA is tremendously excited by the prospect of having someone of Dr Mike’s calibre assume the role and will be advocating strongly for his election.

Back on the water tonight at 7:05 pm PT, 10:05 pm EST, and September 23^rd at 10:05 am local time is the Lightweight Women’s Single Sculls. Get ready to cheer on Karissa Riley as she approaches the start line to represent Canada!
 
When and Where 
2025 World Rowing Championships
September 21-28, 2025
Shanghai, China
 
How to Follow
CBC Live Stream 
CBC Rowing Schedule 
 
More information on the 2025 World Rowing Championships can be found here.
 
Join the conversation
@rowingcanada on Instagram, Threads, Facebook and X: #UnitedByWater #TrueNorthStrong #WRCHShanghai #WRCH25

Colleen Coderre
RCA Communications Lead
coderre@rowingcanada.org

Cassie Turkstra
RCA Communications Coordinator
cturkstra@rowingcanada.org