Recently there has been a resurgence in discussion around rowing’s development as a sport. Rowing’s world governing body (FISA) has put forward proposals to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to change the distribution of what gender and nationality rowers at the Olympic Games will be. Succinctly, this will mean less men, more women and more athletes from countries will less of tradition of rowing at the Games. This is to lower the ratio of men to women to roughly 60:40 and to increase representation from a greater number of countries. These adaptations have probably been needed to be worked in for some time. I would like the next changes to focus upon creating exciting racing for both athletes and spectators; maybe an omnium type event to test the multi-event (doubling/tripling up) format that many think rowing may end up working towards.
By coincidence, Coxmate – a rowing electronics company – is celebrating it’s 10th birthday and to celebrate they’ve written a book – “The Future of Rowing”. It contains ten interviews with ten people involved in rowing, each bringing a different perspective. The interviews look back 10 years over the recent history they’ve observed and their predictions for the future of the sport.
I’ve read it and it’s worth a read; it’s only 31 pages and completely FREE.
Get your copy from Coxmate: The Future of Rowing ebook
For those still not convinced, the perspectives come from; “The Regatta Chairman,The School Rowing Coach, The Umpire, The Rowing Journalist, The Junior Coach, The Boathouse Manager, Mr Coxmate, The Rowing Retailer, The Boatbuilder and The Masters Athlete”.
It would be great to hear what your views on the Future of Rowing might be, could be about types of training, technology, format of racing, growth and survival of rowing clubs. You can leave comments below or find me on Twitter @nrodtweets.
Nathaniel Reilly-O'Donnell 