Hong Kong China Rowing Association

The 2021 World Rowing Indoor Championships (WRICH), presented by Concept2, was staged as a virtual event for the first time ever on 23-27 February 2021. 935 finalists hailed from 63 countries and competed for a World Championship title. Hong Kong, host of the Asian Continental Qualifier, is honoured to have 15 athletes qualified to the finals and raced in 17 events live and in real-time.

On Racing Day 1, Hong Kong Rowing Team Athletes Chan Chi Fung, Thomas and Hung Wing Yan Winne won Silver medals in U23 Lightweight Men and Women 2000m Finals respectively with 06:19.9 and 07:28.6; Local rowing talent Wong Chi Shing captured a Bronze medal in Masters 30-39 Lightweight Men 500m Final with 1:25.0; Thomas raced in 1hr Men on Day 3 finished in 7th with 17236m.

Thomas, the 4-Times Concept2 Indoor Rower World Record holder, was delighted with his results in the competitions, “I am always desired to participate in WRICH, due to the pandemic, I managed to join two races this time. Also, this is the last chance for me to enroll in the U23 competitions, it will be more challenging since next year. Despite sitting in the second place in U23 Lightweight Men 2000m Final, I achieved the target of finishing top 3. While for the 1 Hour race, since there is no limitation of age and weight, I am happy that I have broken my personal best record.” His team mate Winne claimed she was surprised to earn a silver medal, “I was not in form on race day because I was nervous and could not sleep well, I could not imagine I had entered the top 3.”

Chris Perry, Hong Kong Rowing Head Coach, was satisfied with the performance of the Hong Kong Rowing Team, “We have enjoyed being able to take part in this exciting online event at a time when worldwide competition has been impossible. We are also delighted that a number of our athletes reached the World Finals, with two winning medals. Our focus now turns back to the water and our goal to qualify crews for the Olympic Games via the Asia & Oceania Continental Qualification Regatta to be held in Tokyo in May.”.

For more information about the WRICH, please visit the official website of World Rowing: https://worldrowing.com/events/indoor-events/world-indoor-championships/

Results: https://regatta.time-team.nl/wrich/2021/results/events.php