GB Beach Sprint rower Laura McKenzie wins final stage of the Filippi Lido Trophy
The 2025 World bronze medallist won the Senior Women’s event and placed second in the overall standings
Laura McKenzie has struck gold in Marina di Castagneto, Italy. The GB Rowing Team athlete won the Senior Women’s Solo at the fourth round of the 2026 Filippi Lido Trophy.
The overall competition was held over four rounds across Italy, welcoming athletes from across the world to come and compete for a prize fund of €20,000.
After winning the most recent event, combined with her previous performance during Stage 3 in Naples, McKenzie placed second in the overall competition, winning €1,500 to go along with her silverware.
McKenzie’s win in the fourth round matches her efforts from 12 months ago, making it two wins in two years at the Filippi Lido Trophy for the Scot.
“I really like this event. It’s well organised, and Filippi does a really good job of organising it all and putting on a big show,” said Laura, who represents the University of Glasgow Boat Club.
“It was a big surprise to me as I had no idea I was getting prize money until they were calling my name! It was very cool and a surreal moment.
I’ve rowed a long time, and prize money has never been something we’ve ever considered or expected, so it adds a different meaning to it. It’s a weird feeling that I can’t really describe, but it’s very cool and an absolute bonus to already being super thrilled with the event. I thought it was icing on the cake!”
View this post on Instagram
The 2026 Filippi Lido Trophy was packed full of international talent. Stars from across the Beach Sprint world travelled to compete in Mondello, Lido di Fano, Naples, and Marina di Castagneto. Competitors race time trials before advancing to classic Beach Sprint one-on-one knock out competition.
With more than 30 countries represented and seven of the top eight women from last year’s World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals racing, the competition delivered some outstanding action.
“I’m delighted to see Laura perform so well at the Filippi Lido Trophy in Italy,” said Tom Pattichis, Olympic Head Coach for Beach Sprints.
“It’s a testament to the training she’s put in during a long, cold winter in Scotland, so I’m sure the competition in Italy will have also brought some welcome sunshine! The Filippi Lido Trophy is a great event for her to test herself against some of the top athletes from around the world, and it will be great preparation as we build towards the rest of the international racing season later in the year.”
For McKenzie, based just outside of Glasgow, the next few weeks offer an opportunity to reset and take stock after travelling back and forth to Italy for racing.
When training north of the border, McKenzie will often spend time training at the Scottish Beach Sprint Performance Development Academy in St Andrews.
“There’s a really good base there. If you want to do Beach Sprint Rowing, they’ve got a really good set-up, and it’s nice to head out there.
“I’m hoping we’ll have a really good summer and build towards the European and World Rowing Championships and attack them with a lot of positive, good energy.”
