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This is a style of rowing that seems to break all the rules. No oars, no boat, no water. Indoor rowing began as a way for rowers to train on the water, but it has become a competitive discipline of its own as an e-sport.
World Rowing, which organizes world championships for both indoor and water rowing, held a competition in Prague on February 24th, bringing together indoor rowers from all over the world. Among those athletes was Cook County resident Dylan Dragswick. Dragsvik told WTIP he took up rowing during the COVID-19 lockdown, especially after an injury limited his ability to do long-distance trail running, his former top sport. Ta.
Dragsvik competed in the so-called Versa Challenge, which he explained was meant to represent diversity, noting that the competitors took part in five different races designed for well-rounded rowers. Ta. The five races were the Beep Test, Elimination Race, Power and Pace, Sprint Pyramid, and a final called The Chase. Of the 12 rowers selected to compete in the event, Dransvik placed eighth.
Competitors at the World Championships ranged from experienced Olympians and world-ranked water rowers to amateur enthusiasts. Dragsvik said some athletes will compete virtually if they are unable to travel for the world championships. Dragsvik said there was a lot of publicity and excitement around the championship, as there were calls from the indoor rowing community for the sport to be included as an e-sport in future Olympics.
While Dragsvik was happy with the overall result, he said his favorite part of the championship was the camaraderie between the players. He said, “Everyone was rooting for everyone. It’s a competition. But it’s a sport where you just do your best.” He also added that in-person competitions have become more popular with international players who connect online to form a community of support and training. He also said it’s a place where he spends time with his teammates from the Sub-7 Indoor Rowing Club, a group of rowers.
Indoor rowing’s next major in-person event will be the World Indoor Rowing Championships in 2025, but until then there will be virtual competitions open to athletes from anywhere in the world, Dragzvik said. He is planning his own contest, Row Wars, to be held on May 4th. He said his motivation for hosting the competition was to give back to the sport, saying, “If you get a little more involved, it’s a great community for somebody.”
WTIP’s Kirsten Wisniewski spoke to Dylan Dragswick about her experience rowing at the 2024 World Indoor Rowing Championships and how she got involved in the sport. Audio of the interview can be found below.
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