Ireland’s Monika Dukarska has successfully defended her World Coastal Rowing Championship title in the women’s solo event, continuing her dominance in the sport. The Killorglin native crossed the finish line second in the final race in Genoa, Italy, behind Azerbaijan’s Diana Dymchenko. However, Dymchenko was disqualified for missing a buoy, granting Dukarska the top spot and securing her fifth world title.
Dukarska’s triumph adds to her illustrious rowing career, having previously won solo world titles in 2009, 2016, and 2023. She also captured gold in the mixed doubles with Ronan Byrne in 2023. Despite intense competition and soaring temperatures, Dukarska demonstrated her experience and tenacity to retain her crown, marking another major milestone for Irish rowing.
Born in Poland, Dukarska moved to Ireland as a teenager and has since become a stalwart in Irish rowing. Her latest victory cements her status as one of the sport’s top competitors on the international stage.
Other Irish competitors also put in commendable performances at the championships. The women’s coxed quadruple narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing fourth. Noel Creedon and Neil O’Sullivan placed seventh in the men’s double, while Kealan Mannix finished 10th in the men’s solo event.
The championships were brought forward by a day due to forecasts of thunderstorms, with the A Finals held on Saturday. The focus now shifts to the upcoming World Beach Sprints, which will take place at the same venue in Genoa. This event, set to debut as an Olympic discipline at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, promises to bring more high-stakes competition for Ireland’s rowers.