Rowing is a sport with over 200 years of history, and it is celebrated in more than 150 countries around the world. The University of Oxford and Cambridge's annual race is a highlight for many, and there's a lot to learn about this fascinating sport.
Today, let's uncover some cool facts about rowing, so we can all understand it better and maybe even appreciate it more. Let's dive in!
Why No World Records?
In most sports, world records are a big deal. Take the 100-meter sprint record, held by Usain Bolt at 9.58 seconds, or the 200-meter breaststroke record set by China's Qin Haiyang at 2 minutes 5.48 seconds. But when it comes to rowing, you might wonder why there are no official world records. Well, the main reason is that rowing events are often held on open water, like lakes or rivers, which can be affected by wind, current, and weather conditions.
This makes it hard to compare times fairly, as the conditions are constantly changing. So, unlike track and swimming events, there's no official world record for rowing.
However, in rowing machines, which are stationary and controlled, world records do exist. For example, Chinese athlete Zhang Liang set a new marathon rowing record in June 2020, completing a race in 2 hours, 19 minutes, and 20.7 seconds. So, while rowing on water doesn't have world records, the sport still has benchmarks in other ways.
The Only Backward Racing Event
Did you know that rowing is the only Olympic sport where athletes race backward? Unlike most sports where competitors can see the finish line in front of them, rowers face the opposite direction. This is because the power behind rowing comes from the athlete's legs and torso, and when they push against the water with the oars, they move the boat backward. This backward motion is what helps them achieve speed and cover more distance.
Rowing is also unique in that athletes rely on water lines, visible markers, and the sound of water to gauge their progress during races. They have to be especially aware of the boat's alignment and watch out for subtle shifts in direction.
The Role of the Coxswain
In an 8-person rowing boat, there's a crucial team member who doesn't row at all—this is the coxswain. Think of them as the “captain” of the boat. While the other rowers focus on their strokes, the coxswain steers the boat, ensures that the team stays on course, and gives commands to the rowers. They help maintain the boat's rhythm and adjust the pace throughout the race.
The coxswain is often smaller and lighter than the rest of the crew, as they don't need to contribute to the rowing power. In fact, back in the 1900 Olympics, a Dutch team famously used a 7-year-old boy as their coxswain in an attempt to win. Today, official regulations require coxswains to weigh at least 55 kg (about 121 lbs) for men and 50 kg (about 110 lbs) for women. If they're underweight, additional weight must be added to the boat to keep things fair.
Changing Distances in Rowing
If you think that the 2,000-meter distance used in rowing today has always been standard, you're in for a surprise. The length of rowing events has changed over the years. When rowing first became an Olympic sport at the 1900 Paris Olympics, the race distance was 1,750 meters. By 1904, at the St. Louis Olympics, the distance increased to 3,218 meters. Then, in 1908, the London Olympics used a distance of 2,112 meters. Finally, in 1912, the distance was set at 2,000 meters in Stockholm, and it has stayed the same ever since.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Race
Rowing is a lot more than just a race. It's a sport with a rich history and fascinating details that make it unique. From the reason why there's no official world record to the role of the coxswain, and the surprising fact that rowers race backward, there's always more to learn. So next time you watch a rowing competition, remember these cool facts, and you'll have a deeper appreciation for this amazing sport.
Let's keep exploring, Lykkers! What's something about rowing that surprised you?
try-outs for the Cambridge rowing team
Video: Tom Lynch
