World Rowing Announces 2024 Award Winners

The Dutch Men’s Quadruple Sculls crew that won gold at the Paris Olympics to defend their title in the event claimed the World Rowing Men’s Crew of the Year. Koen Metsemakers, Tone Wieten, Finn Florijn, and Lennart Van Lierop were honored for their exceptional performance. Wieten and Florijn were welcomed on stage to except the award.

“It’s a very big honor to receive this award considering the other nominees and the crews that received this award before us,” said Tone Wieten in his acceptance speech. “It’s not an award that is only for us. It’s only possible because we have a great team behind us. This award we will share with them. I thank every good thing in my life for rowing.”

Lauren Rowles from the World Rowing Para Crew of the Year winning boat, the great Britain PR2 Mixed Double Sculls accepted the award on behalf of herself and her boatmate Gregg Stevenson. Rowles is the first rower to win three Paralympic titles.

“We’ve had the most incredible two years of my career and something that I will treasure for the rest of my life,” said Lauren Rowles as she accepted the award. “Ten years ago, I took my very first strokes in a boat and that kickstarted a journey in my life that has been the most incredible. Until tonight I’ve dreamt of being up on this stage. For me this is a lifetime achievement award. In Paralympic rowing we hope to go out there and inspire the next generation. We hope to go out there and prove that it’s not about your ability or in our case a disability. Everybody should have the ability to compete on the highest stage in the world no matter who you are. Nothing should hold you back, the sport should be for everybody.”

Romania coach, Antonio Colamonici, received the World Rowing Coach of the Year designation. In an esteemed field of Heino Zeidler of Germany, Nick Baker of Great Britain, Darren Whiter of Great Britain and Freek Robbers of the Netherlands Colamonici is known for his focus on scientific training methods and team cohesion.

Finally, The Romanian Women’s Eight that won gold at the Paris Olympics was named World Rowing Women’s Crew of the Year. Romania’s gold medal in Paris marked the nation’s tenth medal in the event and ties them for most gold medals in the women’s eight with the United States.

Find the World Rowing release here with all of the 2024 award winners and watch the awards gala here.