Rowing Canada Aviron (RCA) has named the Canadian team set to compete at the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals from October 18-21 in Qingdao, People’s Republic of China. The event will take place on Golden Beach in Qingdao West Coast New Area, one of Asia’s most celebrated coastal destinations. With its clear waters, crescent-shaped shoreline, and world-class event infrastructure, the venue provides an exceptional setting for the world’s top beach sprint rowers to compete.

This event showcases the thrilling, fast-paced format of coastal rowing, where athletes sprint across the sand, leap into their boats, and race through a dynamic course before returning to shore to hit the final buzzer.

The Canadian team brings a range of Beach Sprint experience to Qingdao. Autumn Prior returns after competing at the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals in each of the past two years, as well as other international competitions, while Carling Zeeman enters her second World Beach Sprint Championship. Julien Bahain will make his first international appearance in the discipline, bringing years of experience competing in Beach Sprints in Canada.

“For Carling, this championship will be very different from last year, when she had only recently made the transition to the discipline,” shares Katie. “She now has another full year of Beach Sprint experience behind her, and I’m looking forward to seeing the gains we’ve been able to make over that time. Julien retired from international flat-water rowing after the 2016 Olympic Games, but Beach Sprints have given him a fun new opportunity to compete again and to use his experience to help push the level of the discipline in Canada.”

Beach Sprint racing will make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, marking a significant milestone for the sport.

“Racing our top athletes in both the solo and mixed double events gives us an important opportunity to see what works, where we need to improve, and what it will take for Canada to be competitive as we move toward Olympic qualification.”

Following the RCA National Beach Sprint Tour across Canada, RCA has selected a talented team to represent the country on the world stage and build momentum toward this new Olympic discipline.

 

TEAM CANADA ROSTER – 2026 WORLD ROWING BEACH SPRINT FINALS

Men’s Solo (CM1x)
Julien Bahain

Women’s Solo (CW1x)
Carling Zeeman

Mixed Double (CMix2x)
Julien Bahain
Carling Zeeman

Junior Women’s Solo (CJW1x)
Autumn Prior

Boat Handlers/Alternates
Aubrey Oldham
Sarah Pidgeon
Michael Strumberger (Boat Handler Only)

Coach
Katie Bahain-Steenman

Support Staff
Shannon Kennedy (Physio)
Tracey Stuart née Cameron

 

FOLLOW THE ACTION

Where to Watch: World Rowing
Dates: October 18-21

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