Tokyo 2020 rowing venue to remain at Tokyo Bay

It has now been confirmed that the rowing and canoe sprint events during the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games will remain at the Sea Forest course, Tokyo Bay.

Representatives from the Central and Tokyo Governments joined Tokyo 2020 and International Olympic Committee (IOC) officials at a meeting yesterday to confirm the location of the rowing and canoe sprint events, amongst other things.

Back in September, a proposal was put forward to move the course 400 kilometres away to the Naganuma rowing course in Tome, Miyagi. At the meeting yesterday, it was confirmed by the Tokyo Governor, Yuriko Koike that it would remain at the Sea Forest course on Tokyo Bay. Naganuma will instead be used as a training facility ahead of the Games.

Sir David Tanner, Performance Director at British Rowing said: “Our rowers are delighted at this news and so am I. In the Tokyo Bay cluster they will be at the heart of the action alongside sports like swimming, gymnastics, tennis, triathlon, hockey and equestrian and close to the Olympic Village, International Broadcast and Media Centres.  This means that the world’s media will be able to see rowing in action easily.  There is no doubt that this is a good outcome for our sport and, having been to Japan with Team GB for planning visits already, I am convinced that Tokyo will put on a first-rate Games.”

Andy Parkinson, CEO of British Rowing added: “Following weeks of uncertainty, we are delighted that a decision has been made and that the rowing will take place on Tokyo Bay. To be at the heart of the Games on Tokyo Bay is a real boost for our sport, the rowers, coaches and sports fans planning to head to Tokyo. We are very much looking forward to competing at Sea Forest in 2020.”

Annamarie, Chairman of British Rowing concluded: “A huge amount of work has gone on behind the scenes to support Tokyo in reaching a decision, particularly by World Rowing (FISA). Thanks must go to them and all those who have been involved. I believe that this is the right decision, both for rowing and for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Rio 2016 demonstrated the positive impact of holding the rowing regatta at the heart of the Games and Tokyo 2020 will be no different.”

The GB rowers are already back in training as they now look ahead to Tokyo 2020. Find out more about the team here and what happened at the first GB Rowing Team Winter Assessment.