2025 World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals in Rio de Janeiro Cancelled

The 2025 World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals scheduled for Rio de Janeiro in October will be moved to a new location and date, the international federation announced Monday.

“Despite extensive efforts by World Rowing to address significant delivery challenges, and following a recent decision by the Brazilian Rowing Federation (CBR) to withdraw from the organisation of the event, no viable local solution has been secured through alternative local stakeholders,” World Rowing said in a statement.

World Rowing is seeking an alternative host to stage the event “within the shortest possible timeframe.” The beach sprint event will be in the 2028 Olympic Summer Games in Los Angeles for the first time.

In May, the Brazilian Rowing Confederation announced it would cancel the event, which World Rowing said was a surprise to the organization and was announced without being informed of the decision. At the time, World Rowing said it considered the event would be taking place as planned.

Monday’s statement said “this outcome is disappointing for the International Rowing community, especially for athletes, coaches, and fans who were preparing for a pivotal competition … World Rowing also deeply regrets the disruption this causes for all stakeholders who had already begun making travel and accommodation arrangements.”