In an unexpected turn of events at the 2024 World Rowing Coastal Championships, adverse weather forecasts prompted organisers to reschedule the A finals, moving them up by a day. The change added an extra layer of challenge and excitement as competitors in all seven boat classes raced over the 4k coastal course, battling not only each other but also the elements and bustling pleasure boat traffic on the water. Despite these challenges, a new set of Coastal Champions emerged from the intense competition.
The women’s solo race was packed with drama from start to finish. Jessica Berra of France took an early lead, but she was quickly chased down by Diana Dymchenko representing Baku Rowing Club, Azerbaijan. By the time the boats reached the first timing point, Dymchenko had surged ahead, with reigning champion Monika Dukarska from Killorglin Rowing Club moving into second place. Berra clung to the third position, while Finland’s Eeva Karppinen pushed hard from fourth place.
As the race progressed through increasingly challenging conditions, compounded by the intense heat of the location, the top three boats— Azerbaijan, Ireland, and France —remained in contention. It looked like Dymchenko was on course for victory until the finish line when an unexpected twist changed everything. It was revealed that Dymchenko had missed a turning marker, leading to her disqualification and a “Did Not Finish” result. This ruling elevated Monika Dukarska to first place, with Berra taking the silver and Karppinen earning the bronze.
The Irish contingent at the championships showed strong performances, though some just missed out on medals. The women’s coxed quad, consisting of Niamh Doogan, Dineka Maguire, Katie Shirlow, Claire Feerick, and cox Cian Mac Suibhne, came agonizingly close to the podium, finishing in fourth place after a hard-fought race.
Ireland also had two crews that finished seventh in their respective events. In the men’s double, Noel Creedon and Neil O’Sullivan gave a commendable performance. Another women’s coxed quad crew, made up of Mary Ann Kent, Niamh Lordan, Aoife Chapman, Miriam Sheehan, and cox David Hussey, also secured a seventh-place finish.
In the men’s solo event, Kealan Mannix battled through the sweltering heat to secure a tenth-place finish, rounding out a day of commendable efforts from the Irish rowers.
The 2024 World Rowing Coastal Championships will be remembered not just for the early schedule change but for the resilience and skill displayed by the athletes in the face of adversity. From disqualifications to penalties and last-minute surges, the day was filled with the unpredictable excitement that makes coastal rowing such a captivating sport. The intense heat of the location added another layer of difficulty, making the performances of all competitors even more impressive.
