Just outside Philadelphia on Cooper River Lake, the elite of women’s rowing will compete in one of the sport’s most lucrative events: the Gold Cup. Offering a record $16,000 prize to the victor, this annual race has been a beacon for the world’s best rowers since the trophy’s rebirth in 2011, now inclusive of women’s competition. Set over a short, high-intensity 750-meter course with just four boats in the lineup, the event is a fierce test of power and strategy. Fresh off the Olympic stage, each athlete is eager to seize a rematch—and the reward.
Emma Twigg, New Zealand
Emma Twigg, one of rowing’s most enduring forces, returns as a three-time Gold Cup champion. The Olympic champion from Tokyo and silver medalist in Vaires-sur-Marne remains a fixture at the top of women’s single sculling. Her 2024 season has been anything but quiet, with a bronze at the World Beach Sprint Finals in Genoa and a recent showing at the Head of the Charles in Boston, where she finished a surprising ninth. Twigg’s sights are now firmly set on Philadelphia, where she’ll look to reclaim the title she knows so well.
Karolien Florijn, Netherlands
Unbeaten in the single scull since her post-Tokyo transition, Karolien Florijn has been a powerhouse, racking up five World Cup wins, two European titles, and two World Championships, topped by Olympic gold in Paris. Her remarkable dominance has made her a fan favorite, with crowds belting out “Sweet Karolien” after her win in Paris. Florijn is primed for her first Gold Cup victory, though adapting to new boat materials might pose a challenge. Coming off a perfect season, the Dutch star will look to claim the one title that el