Looking Ahead to the World Rowing Championships 2026

vlnr: Ilse Paulis, Nico Rienks, Erik Versnel, Marieke Faber, Gerritjan Eggenkamp, Sofyan Mbarki, Frank Thewessem (fotograaf:Jordi Kouwenhoven)

On stage were, among others, tournament directors Ilse Paulis and Nico Rienks, followed by Alderman for Sport Sofyan Mbarki, Gerritjan Eggenkamp on behalf of World Rowing, and Frank Thewessem, Director of Topsport Amsterdam. Irene Eijs, honorary president of the organizing committee, provided further insight, and Marieke Faber, Director of Elite Rowing at the KNRB, offered a behind-the-scenes look at TeamNL and how they are preparing for this World Championships.

World Class: a compact World Championships at world level

The organizing committee presented the World Championships as a world-class event with a more compact program: fewer days and clear peak moments leading up to the finals. This approach is intended to make the championships more attractive for all participating teams, as well as for spectators, media and television.

Ilse Paulis emphasized that the 2026 World Championships are all about intensity and experience: “The entire 2026 World Championships should feel like one intense final week. Every day has to matter — on the water and in the stands. With a more compact program at the Bosbaan, we bring the sport closer than ever and strengthen the feeling of a true world championship.”

Paulis also sees a clear opportunity to broaden the audience:

“We don’t just want to serve existing rowing fans, but above all to win new fans for the sport. Through clear explanations, innovative sports presentation, strong TV coverage and activations on and around the Bosbaan, we want to show how exciting and accessible rowing really is.”

Sporting preparation and home advantage

According to Marieke Faber, Director of Elite Rowing, both athletes and staff are very much looking forward to a World Championships at the Bosbaan. Familiarity with the venue does not call for a different approach. “Athletes and staff alike are extremely excited about a World Championships on home soil. The big advantage is that we know the Bosbaan like no other, but we will approach this World Championships like any other major tournament, with optimal preparation — this time without jet lag and heat protocols.”

Faber also emphasized the importance of investments in the Bosbaan and their value on the road to the 2028 Olympic Games. “A major advantage of a World Championships at home is the significant investment in the daily training environment at the Bosbaan, for which we are very grateful to the Municipality of Amsterdam. This is truly fantastic in our journey toward the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028.”

Social impact and promotion of rowing

Honorary president of the organizing committee Irene Eijs stressed that the World Championships are about more than just elite sport. The event should also give a boost to rowing in the Netherlands and beyond, with attention for youth, clubs, volunteers and Amsterdam residents who may be experiencing rowing for the first time. On behalf of the KNRB and the Municipality of Amsterdam, the organization aims for the event to have a lasting impact on facilities, knowledge, sustainability and fan experience.

Irene Eijs said: “A World Championships on home soil is a unique opportunity to grow the sport of rowing. We want children, students and new audiences to be inspired by what they see at the Bosbaan — and then step into a boat themselves. If we leave behind not only medals, but also fuller boathouses and stronger clubs, then the World Championships will truly be a success.”

World Rowing: the most important annual event in rowing

On behalf of the international federation World Rowing, board member Gerritjan Eggenkamp emphasized the global significance of the event. After the Olympic Games, the World Rowing Championships are the most important competition in the sport.

Gerritjan Eggenkamp, World Rowing: “The World Rowing Championships are the annual moment when the entire rowing world comes together. Amsterdam and the Bosbaan have enjoyed a strong reputation for decades. In 2026, we want to deliver a championship that combines top-level sport with innovation and experience — on and off the water.”

World Rowing sees the World Championships in Amsterdam as a platform for innovation in a classic sport, including improved camera and drone footage, making data such as speed and intermediate times visible, and strong digital content to reach new generations of fans.

Welcome to Amsterdam: city, Bosbaan and TeamNL

The “Welcome to Amsterdam” segment focused on the role of the city and the renewed Bosbaan. Alderman for Sport Sofyan Mbarki explicitly linked the World Championships to Amsterdam’s ambitions.

Sofyan Mbarki, Alderman for Sport, Amsterdam:

“Amsterdam is a sports city. Major events such as the World Rowing Championships bring elite sport, the city and its residents together. With the Bosbaan as a historic backdrop, we show what Amsterdam stands for: outstanding facilities for elite sport, the accompanying infrastructure, and an environment with international appeal.”

In the coming period, the Bosbaan will be further prepared for 2026. The course will be dredged to meet international World Championship regulations, ensuring an even and level depth throughout. In addition, improvements will be made in terms of accessibility, sustainability, spectator facilities and media infrastructure. Not to be forgotten is the renovation of the Boathouse, a listed national monument.

As the “home of TeamNL,” Topsport Amsterdam plays a key role in supporting the Dutch team and the World Championships. Frank Thewessem, Director of Topsport Amsterdam:

“We want TeamNL to make the most of the home advantage. In the lead-up to the World Championships, this means focusing on a top-level sports environment down to the smallest details — from training and recovery to nutrition, performance and mental support. During the event, we will provide all international teams with our elite sports kitchen, chefs and the specially developed elite sports meals, and together with the KNRB, the city and the organization, we will ensure that rowers can fully focus on delivering peak performance.”

Rabobank announced as new Official Sponsor

At the end of the meeting, attention was given to the importance of partners and sponsors for a global event such as the World Rowing Championships, including title sponsor Staatsloterij. Rabobank was also announced as a new Official Sponsor of the 2026 Staatsloterij World Rowing Championships.