Double Podium Glory: SA Rowers Shine on the International Stage

South African rowing delivered an unforgettable weekend on the international stage, with standout performances at both the U23 World Rowing Championships in Poland and the World University Games in Germany. The results underscored the nation’s growing talent, depth, and unity in the sport.

Silver Success for Cresswell in Poland

The headline performance came from Chloe Cresswell, who stormed to a silver medal in the lightweight women’s single sculls at the U23 World Rowing Championships in Poland. Demonstrating unwavering precision and determination, Cresswell’s race marked a major achievement for South African rowing.

She was joined in the final by Doné Erasmus, who represented Zimbabwe and secured sixth place, offering the continent a proud moment with two African finalists in one event.

Young Stars Prove Their Potential

Danelia Price-Hughes, who earned silver at the Junior World Championships in 2023, finished eighth in the women’s single sculls — a commendable result as she continues her climb through the ranks. In the men’s single sculls, 19-year-old Braden Howard finished eleventh out of 28 competitors, showcasing his promise after winning bronze at last year’s Junior Worlds.

Both athletes, still early in their U23 careers, demonstrated composure and talent well beyond their years.

World-Class Coaching Makes the Difference

The U23 squad was expertly coached by Caitlin Reed and Thato Mokoena, who guided their rowers through the challenges of world-class competition with discipline and focus.

Head Coach Mokoena emphasised the team’s unity and the role of support systems in their success, stating, “Without other people, you’ll never go rowing.”

University Rowers Shine in Germany

At the World University Games in Germany, South African rowers continued their winning ways. The women’s pair of Courtney Westley and Katherine Williams earned a silver medal after an intense final, finishing just a second behind the winners.

In the men’s pair, Phumi Tshabalala and Jordan Craig clinched victory in the B Final, placing them seventh overall in a competitive field.

University Crews Hold Their Own

Stellenbosch University’s men’s four placed ninth after a solid showing, while a composite double from UCT and Stellenbosch finished eighteenth in a fiercely contested event. These performances highlight the strength of South Africa’s university rowing programmes, which continue to nurture top-tier talent.

A Bright Future for South African Rowing

With rising stars, experienced coaching, and strong institutional support, South African rowing is building a legacy of excellence. The weekend’s results reflect a sport on the rise, with athletes and teams poised to make an even bigger impact on the global stage.