Pursuit of Podiums in the Under 23 National Team Program

The 2024 World Rowing Junior, Under 23 (U23), and Non-Olympic World Championships, held in Canada this past summer, highlighted a significant increase in national team programming across the country. This event was an exceptional learning experience for both athletes and coaches. As we enter year one of a new quadrennial, Rowing Canada Aviron (RCA) is committed to improving our performance on the world stage.
 
With experienced coaches leading the way and fostering development opportunities for emerging talent in the coaching pathways, alongside elevated performance standards that align with international podium expectations, we are poised to improve on our performances moving forward.

KEY INITIATIVES

In order to achieve sustained success on the world stage, we are implementing a series of specific initiatives (outlined in the 2025 selection documents) designed to strengthen our athlete and coach pathways and position our athletes to achieve podium performances. These measures focus on optimizing opportunities, refining performance standards, and fostering development at all levels of the program.
 
Implementation of a U23 Panel: Program based panels will allow a group of coaches the ability to assess the athlete pool, make thoughtful decisions, and engage athletes and their coaches throughout the year. Given the U23 team is a direct pathway to the Senior National Team, RCA’s senior coaches will be part of the U23 Panel, mentoring the program coaches, guiding performance-based discussions, and helping ensure there is a steady stream of athletes transitioning to the senior program. (Further detail provided in Appendix 1 of the 2025 U23 Selection Document.)
 
Update International Performance Standards and Expectations: To succeed at the U23 World Rowing Championships, it is essential to recognize the speeds required for success. RCA will share these standards transparently, offering support and education to athletes and coaches on how to meet them. Our aim is not to limit opportunities but to ensure they align with readiness and potential. RCA is committed to assessing performances before crews are nominated to the team. (Section 4.1.5 and Appendix 3)
 
Spring Speed Order Events: There’sa need to create opportunities for athletes to demonstrate their small boat skills, with these performances being linked to invitations to selection camps. (Section 4.2.5 and Appendix 1)
 
Strategic Targeting of Boat Classes: the following boats have been identified and targeted based on an initial assessment of the athlete pool and building off an enthusiasm and legacy of success. Crews will need to meet performance standards prior to selection. If an adjustment of the boat strategy needs to take place in pursuit of a higher performance, it will happen. (Section 4.1.4)

• Sweep (Eight and Pair): These events both inspire and challenge our top U23 athletes. Many U23 athletes come from programs that emphasize 8+ training and racing, making it a natural transition into spring competitions. The pair, reflecting the senior program’s emphasis on small boat skills, allows top athletes to demonstrate their ability and prepares them for progression to the Senior National Team. 
• Doubling Up (Eight and Pair): This strategy mirrors shifts in international racing and emphasizes the need for a resilient athlete pool capable of delivering consistent performances.
• Sculling (Double or Quad): Canada has a history of international sculling performances at all levels from Junior Worlds to the Olympics. There is a need to continue building pathways for success, particularly for athletes transitioning from the single at trials and selection events.

Addition of Camp Locations: RCA is committed to building out additional performance environments in Canada. This will provide the opportunity to leverage regional partnerships while providing athletes and coaches with opportunities to develop within impactful and supportive settings. For the 2025 season we will run programing for Men’s Sculling in Welland, ON and Women’s Sculling in Montreal, QC. These decisions are based on a broader strategy to support international level programming happening beyond the National Training Centre. (Section 4.1.6)
 
Establishing Additional Racing Opportunities: Winning is a learned skill. RCA is committed to identifying events at appropriate performance levels—both domestic and international—that challenge athletes while achieving success. (Section 1.1, Section 4.1.4, Appendix 1, and Appendix 8)
 
The U23 pathway is critical to RCA achieving its future performance objectives in 2028 and beyond. While it isn’t the only factor in deciding future success, it is clear that positive U23 performances are one of the indicators. We want our athletes to learn the performance demands to be successful on the international stage in a positive, supportive way through this experience.

U23 SELECTION RESOURCES
 
For detailed information on the U23 selection process, please refer to the official selection document linked HERE.

View the full list of RCA Resources HERE.