Advocating to see lightweight rowing survive and thrive

Working for the growth and inclusion of lightweight rowing

We’re doing this by raising awareness and advocating for the sport globally. Our foundations are built on a rich history and, together with lightweight alumni, we will bring together past, present and future rowers. In doing so, we will grow a community that ensures the ongoing success of lightweight rowing for years to come.

Lightweight rowing was first featured in the World Championships in 1974 and gave competitors of smaller physiology the opportunity to compete on the national stage. In 1996, it was included in the Olympics and enjoyed much success until the early 2000’s when its inclusion started to be threatened. 

Today, there is a very real risk of lightweight rowing disappearing from competitions altogether. But our endeavours will help create a world where people can compete in rowing regardless of their size, or even their educational background and social standing.

Thought Pieces on World Rowing

Together we can re-build a lightweight rowing legacy

Collectively as the World Lightweight Rowing Alliance, we will aim to have overarching responsibility for the future of lightweight rowing. We are also sensitive to the diminishing position of rowing on the whole as a global sport - which we feel can be measured by participants, viewership, and commercial partner interest.

We have established a sustainable strategy which will lead to the successful delivery of our mission to see lightweight rowing survive and thrive. We are now seeking initial funding to launch and promote the alliance.

Our vision and values

World Lightweight Rowing Alliance (WLRA) envisions a world where rowing is accessible to all who want to participate, regardless of their size, educational background, and social standing.

  • We will build legends - raising awareness of past rowers and promoting current athletes.

    Those who share our vision include alumni who want to see a new generation grow. Our members have a shared goal to keep the dream alive and to give back to a class they’ve gained so much from.

    Together, we understand the importance of building upon what has come before and the part it has to play in supporting the future of the sport.

  • We will be persistent in challenging the exclusion of lightweight rowing from global events - persistently and with stamina.

    We will provide a platform which challenges misconceptions regarding rowing and inclusivity. And we will fight for fairness and representation in the sport.

  • We are committed to excellence in the sport, in coaching and in hosting events.

    We will encourage excellence and learning - supporting and giving kudos to athletes, coaches and clubs who adopt and demonstrate this value.

    We will look to excel in the sport of rowing at every opportunity and act as a benchmark for excellence.

  • We are custodians of lightweight rowing. This is both a privilege and an honour. We will manage ethically and with transparency.

    We will strive to build the reputation of the class. This will include engaging veterans and valuing their contribution to our goals and activities.

    This stewardship will also include creating resources to guide and educate participants.

  • We will approach all activities with unity and a global mindset. We will foster a culture of inclusion and acceptance.

    Together, we recognise the existing bias within the sport and understand that together we can achieve more than we can alone.

    We will endeavour to give balanced exposure to athletes, clubs, and competitions from across the globe and we aim to create a global platform through which to access the world of lightweight rowing.

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  • As it stands it is currently very focused on the giants. I feel that this represents only a small proportion of the population."

    — Ian Wilson, founder

  • "Thomi Keller recognised that for rowing to grow beyond its traditional base, lightweight rowing would be the growth catalyst."

    — Colin Smith, founder

  • “To be truthful, before I started rowing I was not good at sport and I didn’t care much. Rowing gave me everything."

    — Peter Antonie, founder

  • “The lightweight classification promotes rowing to participants of average body size and weight. It provides a graduated introduction to the sport of rowing."

    — Geoff Rees, founder

The rich and diverse legacy of lightweight rowing

Lightweight rowing has a long and rich global history. But there are also an increasing number of barriers that prevent people from getting involved. There is also minimal representation at an elite level. All of this has contributed to the decline of the class.

We firmly believed that lightweight rowing is critical to the health of rowing as a sport. It is the goal of our alliance to create a space which makes rowing inclusive of everyone worldwide, especially those of more regular and lighter physiologies.

In sharing news and insights alongside the stories of our alumni, we’re aiming to keep our alliance members involved in our work as well as demonstrating our proud history.

For rowing to grow beyond its traditional base, lightweight rowing would be the growth catalyst

Sign up to be the first to know about our progress, news, and events. We aim to create a community of like-minded advocates who would like to support the sport of lightweight rowing and be a part of it surviving and thriving into the future.