Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025 – Shanghai, China

As the first race of the day, Karissa Riley, 24, and her fellow competitors in the Women’s Lightweight Single Sculls (LW1x) were greeted by a cool, breezy morning filled with high humidity and anticipation. Facing athletes from Mexico, Ireland, Uruguay, and South Korea, Riley knew only the top two finishers automatically advance to the semifinals.

Leading up to the race, Riley reflected on her training up until this point, saying, “Being in Calgary, I spent like 6 months on the erg, and I’m so fortunate to have people to pull on there to do some side-by-side stuff. I was definitely working on getting faster each year and being able to execute on a solid race plan.”

Putting her training to use, Riley came out strong at the start of her race, powering into the lead at the 500-meter mark with Mexico’s seasoned rower, Kenia Lechuga, close behind.

“It was my first race of the season,” said Riley following the race. “It’s both nerve-racking and exciting being here with the maple leaves on the blades.”

By the 1000-meter point, both Lechuga and Ireland’s Siobhan McCrohan began to build momentum, intensifying the battle for the two coveted spots.

At 1500 meters, Lechuga surged ahead of Riley to take first, while McCrohan closed in from third, applying pressure from all sides. With just 150 meters remaining, McCrohan overtook Riley for second place, threatening her advancement.

“It’s all about keeping the nerves in check and remembering all the training and all the practice is sitting in there with you, and I’m not alone in the boat. I have all my support back in Calgary, too, mentally with me,” reflected Riley.

Digging deep, Riley responded with a fierce sprint to the finish. In a dramatic head-to-head push against McCrohan, she reclaimed second place in the final strokes, securing her automatic qualification for the semifinals in 07:36.80. Riley will race again September 24 at 7:31 PM PT, 10:31 PM EST, and September 25 at 10:31 AM local time. 

Stay tuned today for more racing:

PR3 Mixed 4+ Heat 1: 7:25 PM PT, 10:25 PM EST | September 24^th at 10:25 AM local time.

M4- Final C: 9:00 PM PT | 12:00 AM EST | September 24^th at 12:00 PM local time.
 
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