The 2026 World Rowing Virtual Indoor Championships, presented by Concept2, took place last weekend, with athletes competing in the heats of the 1-minute, 1000m, and 5000m events.

Racing from homes, gyms, and rowing clubs across the world, competitors were connected virtually through their Concept2 indoor rowing machines, creating a truly global competition environment while competing in real time within their respective age and weight categories.

To progress from the heats to next weekend’s finals, athletes were required to finish within the top six of their age category across the Men’s, Women’s, Lightweight Men’s, and Lightweight Women’s divisions. A strong group of Irish athletes have successfully qualified for the Finals.

The 2026 edition marks a significant milestone, as this is the first year World Rowing has recognised the 1000m, 5000m, and 1-minute races as official World Rowing Indoor Championship events. With inaugural World Champion titles now on the line in these new distances, competition is expected to be fierce when finalists return to their ergs next weekend.

The Finals will take place on Saturday, 28 February, where qualifiers from around the world will compete for global honours.

The following athletes have qualified to compete in the World Rowing Virtual Indoor Championships Finals:

Kenneth McDonald – LM50–54
Events: 1 minute, 1000m
(Last weekend, Kenny delivered an outstanding performance, breaking the World Record in the 1-minute event during the competition.)

Michael Koster – M50–54
Events: 1 minute, 1000m

Paul Gallen – LM70–74
Events: 1 minute, 1000m, 5000m

Philip Healy – LM55–59
Events: 1000m, 5000m

Claire Corcoran – W45–49
Event: 1 minute

Mary McBride – W70–74
Event: 1 minute

Áine Marie Chuillean – LW45–49
Event: 1000m

Stephanie Corcoran – W45–49
Event: 1000m

Joseph Naughton – M50–54
Event: 1000m

Rian Corcoran – M45–49
Event: 1000m

Rowing Ireland congratulates all qualifiers on their performances and wishes them the very best of luck as they compete for World Championship titles next weekend.

Watch all the action here: https://www.youtube.com/live/Z-icHpHjvNI?si=0_e6lwQCWA1X98If