Poznan, Poland is playing host to the World Rowing Championships August 23-30. All the top paddlers on the planet will compete to determine who is the best of the best in events like the men’s fours, the single women’s sculls, and men’s pairs.
The World Rowing Championships follow the three stages of the 2009 Rowing World Cup series.Nearly 1000 of the world's best boats men and women compete in 27 events including five adaptive events during the championships. In total, 54 countries and 357 boats are represented in the competition.
The World Rowing Championships are governed by the International Rowing Federation and are the highlight of the rowing calendar, except of course during an Olympic year. They’ve been held since 1962 when Lucerne, Switzerland played host.
One event of particular interest, especially for the home Polish fans, is the men's quadruple sculls. Poland is the reigning World and Olympic Champions and wants to perform at its best. However, Poland has already been beaten by a young Croatian crew this season and Germany's squad is also on top of its game.
The big names of the 2008 Beijing Olympics are all set for the men's single, including World Champion Mahe Drysdale of New Zealand who is unbeaten this season. However, Drysdale knows several key competitors are hot on his keel. They’ll have to be as the 6’6”, 220-pound Kiwi seems motivated to prove to the world he’s the best in the business after a disappointing bronze medal in Beijing.
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