Rowing at the Olympic Games
Rowing has been part of the modern Olympic story from its earliest days. Athletes race side-by-side in shells built for speed, combining power, technique, endurance and precise teamwork.
From the single scull to the eight, Olympic rowing showcases some of the fastest and most competitive racing in the sport.
The Classic Olympic Distance
The 2,000-meter course became the standard Olympic rowing distance in 1912 and remains the benchmark distance for international classic rowing.
Olympic Rowing Boat Classes
Olympic rowing includes both sculling — where each athlete uses two oars — and sweep rowing, where each athlete uses one oar.
Single Sculls
One athlete racing alone using two sculling oars.
Double Sculls
Two athletes, each rowing with two oars.
Quadruple Sculls
Four athletes, each using two sculling oars.
Pair
Two sweep rowers, each using one oar.
Four
Four sweep rowers racing without a coxswain.
Eight
Eight sweep rowers plus a coxswain who steers and directs the crew.
How an Olympic Rowing Race Works
Crews start together from stationary positions and race directly against one another. There are no turns and no timeouts — the objective is simply to cross the finish line first.
Sculling vs. Sweep at the Olympics
Sculling
Each rower holds two oars — one in each hand. Olympic sculling includes the single, double and quadruple sculls.
Sweep Rowing
Each rower holds one oar and rows on either the port or starboard side. Olympic sweep boats include the pair, four and eight.
Olympic Rowing History
Rowing was scheduled for the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896, but rough seas forced the competition to be cancelled. Olympic rowing medals were first awarded four years later.
Rowing was included in the first modern Olympic Games, although bad weather prevented the races from taking place.
Olympic rowing competition was successfully held in Paris and the sport awarded its first Olympic medals.
The 2,000-meter course was adopted as the standard Olympic rowing distance.
Women’s rowing joined the Olympic program at the Montreal Games.
The Olympic rowing program reached equal numbers of men’s and women’s events.
Looking Ahead: Los Angeles 2028
Los Angeles 2028 will be unusual for rowing. Classic rowing at the Long Beach venue is planned over 1,500 meters rather than the traditional 2,000 meters because of the available course length. Beach Sprint Rowing is also set to make its Olympic debut, bringing a second rowing discipline to the Games.
Explore More Rowing
Continue through RowHail for rowing events, athletes, training, gear and tools.