Thursday, September 25th, 2025 – Shanghai, China

Canadian fans were treated to an action-packed day of racing on day five of World Rowing Championships, with the Women’s and Men’s Eight heats and the Women’s Lightweight Single Sculls semifinal, and Women’s Quadruple Sculls Final A highlighting the schedule.

Women’s Eight (W8+):

The Canadian Women’s Eight (W8+) lined up against Romania, the Netherlands, Australia, and China. The crew featured Brenna Randall, Cassidy Deane, Parker Illingworth, Alexis Cronk, Shaye De Paiva, Kristen Siermachesky, Sally Jones, Caileigh Filmer, and coxswain Kristen Kit.

All boats got off to a clean start, with the field staying tight through the first stretch. At the halfway mark, Romania held the lead, followed closely by the Netherlands. Canada fought to stay in the top three, but a strong third-quarter push from Australia kept them in fourth. The Canadians crossed the line in 06:36.58, securing a place in the Final B on September 26 at 10:41 pm PT, 1:41 am ET, and 1:41 pm local time.

Men’s Eight (M8+):

The Men’s Eight (M8+) followed, with Maijken Meindertsma, Samuel Stewart, Ryan Clegg, Axel Ewashko, Trevor Jones, Terek Been, Joel Cullen, Steven Rosts, and coxswain Laura Court taking on the Netherlands, USA, Germany, and China.

Canada came out strong, pushing hard off the start. The Netherlands quickly established control, while the USA, Germany, and Canada battled for position. In the final stretch, the Netherlands pulled away with clear water, followed by the USA and Germany. Canada finished fourth in 05:55.98 and will return to the water for the Final B on September 26 at 10:49 pm PT, 1:49 am ET, and 1:49 pm local time.

Women’s Lightweight Single Sculls (LW1x):

Closing out the day, Karissa Riley lined up in Semifinal 1 of the Women’s Lightweight Single Sculls (LW1x) against a strong field from the USA, China, Austria, the Netherlands, and Norway.

Riley matched the early pace of the Netherlands and USA, rating 38 strokes per minute into a headwind. She held her position in the pack through 1500 meters before finishing fourth in 08:06.77. Riley advances to the Final B on September 26 at 10:25 pm PT, 1:25 am ET, and 1:25 pm local time.

Women’s Quadruple Sculls (W4x):

To end the day, Shaye De Paiva, Cassidy Deane, Kristen Siermachesky, and Alizée Brien lined up for the Women’s Quadruple Sculls (W4x) Final A.

Earlier in the schedule, Kristen, Cassidy, and Shaye raced in the Women’s Eight (W8+), making this their second event of the day.

Facing strong competition from the Netherlands, Great Britain, Germany, Romania, and New Zealand, Canada launched into the race, striking 39 strokes per minute off the start. The Dutch established themselves early at the front of the field, while the Canadians worked to stay in contention against a variety of race strategies.

By the halfway mark, Canada sat in sixth position, holding their rhythm against a world-class lineup. They maintained their effort through the closing stages, crossing the line in sixth place overall with a time of 6:54.00.

Stay tuned today for more racing:

W1x Semifinal 2:  September 25^th 9:42 PM PT | 12:42 AM EST | 12:42 PM local time
CREW: Katie Clark

W4- Final B: September 25^th at 10:45 PM PT | 1:45 AM EST | 1:45 PM local time
CREW: Caileigh Filmer, Alexis Cronk, Sally Jones, and Brenna Randall
 
When and Where 
2025 World Rowing Championships
September 21-28, 2025
Shanghai, China
 
How to Follow
CBC Live Stream 
CBC Rowing Schedule 
 
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