More than 300 world-class rowers from around the world have converged on London. Day one of the World University Rowing Championships is underway with heats taking place on Fanshawe Lake. Dan Bechard, the chair of the organizing committee, says the event is free to the public and features participants from 20 countries around the world. “They come from as far away as Japan, New Zealand, Australia, and all over Europe and North America.” Competitors and their coaches are working hard to reach the next level. For many participants, the ultimate goal is an Olympic appearance. A doubles competitor for Team Canada, Jana Peachey, admits competition is fierce but cordial. “It is such a welcoming community, the rowing community. Although when you get on the water it’s pretty intense. But also, the water is amazing there are lots of friendships.” Teams are competing in multiple rowing configurations. Tom Shelby coaches the women’s team for Great Britain. Arriving just two days ago, he is impressed by the venue set-up in the ‘other London’. “Well, I didn’t know it’s a manmade lake, just because of how scenic it is. The fact that the weather has been behaving has made it even more picturesque! It is a very nice course and a nice venue,” Shelby said. “It is really nice, and it’s pretty spacious,” Peachey said. She trained in London in 2024. “The wharf area is a great cool-down area. All that’s done really well, and I think this can turn into a great international growing stage.” Facilities were overhauled for this event. The first upgrade since the 2001 Canada Summer Games. All three levels of government contributed to making the million-dollar upgrades happen by 2022, Bechard said. The event date was delayed four years because of COVID. “So, we almost can’t believe that it’s here, but it is here. And we’re so excited that it is here. And we are trying to do the best job that we can with it.” Semifinals take place on Friday, with the finals held on Saturday.
