The RMB National Rowing Squad initiated its 2026 international season by participating in two significant events: the World Rowing Cup III in Lucerne, Switzerland, and the Henley Royal Regatta in England. This international campaign is being led by new national coach Andrew Grant, marking his inaugural international assignment with the squad. Four dedicated South African athletes competed against leading international rowers across these two prestigious regattas, marking their first major appearances of the season and providing critical early-season experience. The participation in these events served as a vital benchmark for the squad, allowing them to gauge their competitive standing on the global stage.
Lucerne World Cup Results
At the World Rowing Cup III in Lucerne, Switzerland, held from June 26-28, two South African crews demonstrated their capabilities. Courtney Westley and Katherine Williams competed in the demanding women's pair event, ultimately finishing in eighth place. The regatta, known for its highly competitive field and picturesque setting on Rotsee Lake, saw the South African duo navigate through several challenging races to secure their top-ten finish. Their performance provided valuable experience against some of the world's best scullers and pairs.
In the women's single sculls, South African rower Paige Badenhorst secured a commendable ninth-place finish. Her performance positioned her firmly within the top ten of the event, contributing positively to the squad's overall showing at the World Cup. Badenhorst's ability to compete at this level notes her potential as a key athlete for the upcoming World Rowing Championships. Her races in Lucerne offered an early indication of her form and areas for further development.
Chris Baxter represented South Africa in the men's single sculls at the same Lucerne World Cup III event. Baxter concluded his races in 15th position, rounding out the South African contingent's participation in the Swiss regatta. His experience in this highly competitive discipline against a strong international field provided key insights for the coaching staff and for Baxter himself as he continues his preparation for future events. The Lucerne World Cup III served as an important stepping stone for all participating South African athletes, offering a challenging environment to test their skills and fitness.
Henley Royal Regatta Success
Following their performances in Lucerne, the South African single scullers continued their campaign at the historic Henley Royal Regatta in England. Both Paige Badenhorst and Chris Baxter advanced to the semi-finals in their respective events, showcasing their strength and determination on the iconic Henley course.
Paige Badenhorst competed in the Princess Royal Challenge Cup, where she displayed excellent form to reach the semi-final stage. Her journey in the prestigious event concluded after a closely contested race where she was ultimately defeated by Magdalena Lobnig of Austria by a narrow margin of half a length. This strong showing against a top-tier international competitor showed Badenhorst's progress and competitive spirit.
Chris Baxter also progressed to the semi-finals, participating in the highly regarded Diamond Challenge Sculls. His campaign concluded in the semi-finals after he was beaten by Diogo Gonçalves of Portugal. Baxter's ability to reach this advanced stage in such a competitive event notes his skill and perseverance. The Henley Royal Regatta provided both single scullers with invaluable race experience in a unique head-to-head format.
Additionally, South African pair Courtney Westley and Katherine Williams, fresh from their Lucerne performance, competed in the Hambleden Pairs Challenge Cup at Henley. The duo demonstrated their synergy and strength, reaching the quarter-finals of their event before their participation concluded. Their progression through the rounds at Henley further solidified their standing as a competitive pair.
Context and Sponsorship Support
These competitions function as key preparation for the upcoming World Rowing Championships, scheduled to be held in Amsterdam in September. The recent performances in Lucerne and Henley also marked the RMB National Rowing Squad's initial international assignment operating under the leadership of new national coach Andrew Grant. This series of races allowed the squad to assess its competitive standing and refine strategies ahead of the significant global event later in the year. The early season contests provided valuable experience for the athletes and coaching staff as they build towards the World Championships. The insights gained from competing against a diverse array of international talent are instrumental in fine-tuning training regimes and race tactics. The squad's participation in these high-profile European regattas is a testament to the ongoing support for South African rowing, enabling athletes to gain the necessary exposure and competitive edge required for success at the highest levels of the sport.
