A sport for all – a message from the British Rowing Board
British Rowing is exploring a new, self-funded international pathway for lightweight athletes to expand opportunities for representation at the highest level
The purpose of British Rowing is to harness the power of rowing to change lives. We will strive to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to move, belong, and thrive in our sport.
Applying this new lens to our decision making, the British Rowing Board has reviewed the decision made in 2024 to cease any pathway for lightweight rowing at international level.
It is correct that we cannot fund lightweight rowing as part of our current Olympic team based on the fact our elite performance funding is to pursue Olympic and Paralympic medal success. This cannot include lightweight rowing following its removal from the Olympic Games. However, as the Governing Body for Rowing in the UK, we have the ability to select crews where there is alignment with our strategic objectives outside of the funding model we have in place, and where we are not currently offering a route to representation for a discipline of our sport.
We have therefore decided to explore a pathway to selection for lightweight rowing next season, which is likely to be restricted to the single scull and will be self-funded. This is supported by our partners at Welsh Rowing and Scottish Rowing and will have the welfare of athletes as a key component.
Following his results this season, Ben Parsonage is being supported, on a self-funded basis, to race at the European Championships in Varese, Italy, this Summer. This forms part of the Board’s plan to understand any considerations ahead of instating a planned process for next season.
We understand the impact the Board’s 2024 decision would have had on athletes and coaches in our sport. We hope by making this new decision we are helping to open up our sport to further participation at all levels.
We will develop and roll out an integration plan in the coming months and share a full update in the Autumn.
