The 2024 World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals in Genoa marked a thrilling milestone in the sport’s history, being the first edition held since beach sprints were confirmed as part of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic program. Over three intense days, athletes faced challenging conditions on the Genovese shore, delivering nail-biting, close races that showcased the unique excitement of beach sprints.
More Nations Make Their Mark
This fifth edition of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals was notable for its expanding international reach. Four nations—Australia, Austria, Lithuania, and Ukraine—clinched their first-ever medals at this level, highlighting the growing global appeal of beach sprints. China also returned to the podium, with Yang Yuqi securing the country’s first medal since 2019 and their first junior medal. Spain, a perennial powerhouse, remained strong with the highest medal count, though the competition has begun to catch up. Their sole gold medal this year is a sign of a closing gap as more countries invest in the discipline.
No Coast? No Problem
One of the standout narratives from Genoa was that coastal access is not a prerequisite for success in beach sprints. Landlocked countries such as Austria, Czechia, and Hungary showed that athletes can excel in this discipline without a coastline to train on. Austrian rowing star Magdalena Lobnig, fresh from a gold medal at the World Rowing Coastal Championships, proved her versatility by taking gold in the women’s solo event in Genoa. Her success underlines the fact that the fundamental rowing skills transfer from flat water to coastal conditions, with lakes and rivers offering sufficient training grounds for rough-water racing.
A Taste of Olympic Glory
The anticipation of beach sprints debuting at the LA 2028 Olympics brought an extra layer of excitement, attracting numerous Olympians to Genoa. Many, like Great Britain’s Charles Cousins—who last competed in the men’s quadruple sculls at London 2012—have found new life in coastal and beach sprints. Cousins secured his first world title in Genoa, winning the coastal mixed quadruple sculls. The return of high-caliber athletes, including New Zealand’s Joe Sullivan, reflects the growing prestige of beach sprints and its increasing appeal among former Olympians looking for a fresh challenge.
The Next Generation is Here
With four years until LA 2028, Genoa offered a glimpse into the future stars of Olympic beach sprints. Junior athletes like Annalise Hahl from the USA, who won two gold medals in the U19 women’s solo and double sculls, shone brightly. Other young talents, such as 20-year-old Mohamed Hafsa from Egypt and Italy’s 21-year-old Federico Ceccarino, proved that the next wave of elite coastal rowers is already making their mark. The pipeline for future Olympians in beach sprints looks incredibly promising.
Inclusion Takes Center Stage
The inclusion of the coastal PR3 mixed double sculls event for a second year was a powerful reminder of the sport’s commitment to inclusivity. The competition, featuring eight top-tier entries, brought together PR3-classified rowers and able-bodied athletes in a display of high-level racing. Italy’s Marco Frank, fresh from his Paralympic campaign, paired with lightweight world champion Arianna Noseda, while the USA’s Danielle Hansen, a Paralympic silver medallist, teamed up with rising star Gary Rought. Hansen emphasized the event’s importance, stating, “Any time we can have more inclusion in any sport, it’s going to be impactful in a positive way.”
As the countdown to LA 2028 continues, the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals in Genoa have set a high standard for this electrifying Olympic discipline. From unexpected new medalists to a generation of young talent rising through the ranks, the future of beach sprints looks brighter—and sunnier—than ever.
