The 2025 World Rowing U23 Championships concluded in Poznan, Poland, on Sunday. From July 23^rd to 27^th, Under-23 rowers from 22 nations competed in thrilling races, showcasing the next generation’s top talent.

During the event, the Women’s Eight, including Mira Calder, Maylie Valiquette, Ellexi Fulton, Annika Goodwyn, Janette Peachey, Isobel Campbell, Cait Whittard, Gabriella Worobec, and Victoria Grieder, captured bronze for Canada.

“It has been great watching this crew come together over the last few weeks,” said coach of the Women’s Eight Katie Bahain-Steenman.

“Some of these women only met each other for the first time less than 8 weeks ago and are leaving here with friendships that, I expect, will last a lifetime. The crew was supportive of one another and ready to race when we got to race day. They grew throughout the week of competition and put their best race out there for the final race.”

On July 24^th, the Women’s Eight turned out a great result in their heat, finishing 2^nd in 06:11.49, earning their spot in the Final A on Sunday.

On Sunday, Canadian fans gathered to cheer on the Women’s Eight in an exciting final race against top-tier talent from Great Britain, the USA, Germany, France, and Czechia.

Great Britain launched into a fast race, setting the pace early on. At the start, Canada maintained second place, holding off the USA and Germany. Around 1200 meters into the race, the USA and Germany fought their way forward, gaining an edge on the Canadian boat.

Canada remained level with Germany, remaining determined to stay in podium contention. They maintained a high stroke rate, fighting off the German team. The coxswain, Victoria Grieder, noticed the threats to the crew and continued to push the team to put their best race forward.  

“It was a thrilling race and final to be in,” said Grieder. “Leading into the race, we knew and were confident in the trust all 9 of us had in each other and with Coach Katie; during the race we really dug in to show that we would surge to that next level for each other.”

At the end of the race, Canada’s Eight celebrated, securing Bronze just behind Great Britain and the USA.

“Crossing the finish line for a podium finish was so special, and I am so proud of everyone,” Grieder reflected. 

The U23 Championships included a variety of other exciting races from Canadian crews.

The Women’s Pair of Cait Whittard and Maylie Valiquette, kicked off their racing on July 23^rd, finishing 3^rd in their heat in 07:18.47, advancing onto the Final A. The Men’s Pair, Connor Bohlmann and Matteo Banducci, finished 5^th in their race in 06:38.96.

The action continued on the 24^th with an exciting lineup of racing from the Men’s Eight, who finished 3^rd in their heat. The Men’s Eight, included Payton Gauthier, Connor Bohlmann, Adam Griesbach, Daniel Mielecki, Antony Klar, Robert Walsh, Adrian Breen, Matteo Banducci, Oscar Wostenholme. The Men’s Eight competed in the Final B, finishing 6^th in the race on Sunday.

The Women’s Pair finished 4^th in the Final A in 07:12.07, narrowly missing a medal spot. The Men’s Pair finished 5^th in the Final B.

Event Results for U23:  

World Rowing U23 Championships

Stay tuned for more Junior rowing events:

2025 World Rowing Under 19 Championships – August 6 – 10

Junior Pan Am Games – August 9-23