Drama on day four at World Rowing Championships in Shanghai
Despite races being postponed due the technical issues, Men’s four through to A final along with PR3 Mixed coxed four
Wednesday 24 September 2025 – It was a dramatic day at the Shanghai Water Sports Centre when both the Men’s four and Men’s double sculls had already boated but racing was first delayed, and then later postponed due to technical issues. Earlier in the session the PR3 Mixed Coxed four had secured their A final space with ease.
Taking to the water four hours later than originally scheduled, the Men’s four (M4-) attacked their semi final, which featured many of the big hitting nations, and won the race almost two seconds ahead of the Netherlands. The crew of Dan Graham, James Robson, Douwe de Graaf and George Bourne kept calm and composed despite the earlier drama to book their place in the A final.
James paid tribute to the GB Rowing Team staff and athletes who all rallied around to help while they were on the water and with their recovery: “That semi final performance was a massive credit to the team behind the team. We were out there for around 40 minutes and had finished our warm up. Suddenly we heard there was a delay in racing.
“Then everyone kicked into action. Louise, the Performance Director was bringing us water, Tom Dyson was sorting us out with food, Darren Whiter, one of the women’s coaches met us at the landing stage with ice jackets, Nicola, the Para Head Coach, came up with more water, Rich Chambers the small boats coach, came up with nutrition. Then all the athletes back at the hotel were scrambling to get us food and clean kit for the later row. We absolutely could not have done that without the commitment and dedication to everyone around us. It was brilliant.”
Douwe said: “We wanted to make it to the final, and to come out on top, is amazing. We’re now excited to see what we can do on Friday. Obviously we had quite unusual circumstances today with being out on the water and then having to come back in but we’re lucky to have great staff and great facilities around us, which made it quite a simple process. We had some food, we recovered in a nice air conditioned room and by the time we were racing again we felt fully prepared.”
It was the first race since the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games for the PR3 mixed coxed four (PR3 Mix4+). The Paralympic Champions, Frankie Allen, Giedre Rakauskaite, Ed Fuller, Josh O’Brien and newly selected cox, Tom Bryce, continued their dominant form, winning the heat by 17 seconds.
“It was pretty awesome,” Josh said, speaking after the race, “It was very hot out there, but we got into a good rhythm and stayed nice, loose, relaxed and got the job done.”
Tom, who is a three-time World Champion at U23 level in the Men’s eight was excited to make his senior debut, “That was incredible! Really, it’s a privilege to be in this boat, and it’s such an incredible venue and race. This feels like a step up in intensity from U23, but the whole Para squad, and especially the crew, have made it a smooth transition for me.” Speaking about the difference in coxing the PR3 mixed four he added: “The boat feels different. I’d say it’s less sensitive and seeing where I’m going has taken a bit of time to get used to! But generally rowing is rowing, and it’s been a smooth transition. I’m really enjoying it. Bring on the final!”
Tom Barras, was sixth in the Men’s single sculls (M1x) quarter final and will race again in the D final. The Men’s double sculls (M2x) C final saw reserve Jamie Gare replacing Aidan Thompson on medical grounds. Jamie and Tobias Schröder went out fast and led for much of the race only to be pulled back by the USA. They crossed the line in second and finished 14 overall.
Racing continues until 28 September and is live streamed on WorldRowing.com. You can also follow the GB Rowing Team instagram for daily updates from China.
