After five intense days of competition, the World Rowing Masters Regatta (WRMR), the largest rowing event globally, concluded last Sunday on the Beetzsee in Brandenburg, Germany. The event saw more than 3,600 athletes from 51 countries compete in approximately 700 races, all taking place over a 1,000-meter course. With races occurring every three minutes, spectators were treated to thrilling finishes, emotional moments, and weather-related challenges.
Saturday’s competitions were disrupted by strong winds and high waves, forcing several races to be canceled. However, the remaining events culminated in an exciting finale on Sunday.
A notable highlight was the visit from Brandenburg's Minister-President, Dietmar Woidke, who served as the event’s patron. During his visit, Woidke interacted with athletes, organizers, and representatives of the International and German Rowing Federations, as well as spectators. He also presented medals to some victorious teams, including the mixed coxed four featuring Brandenburg’s own Olympic rower, Ronja Fini Sturm. In his address, Woidke highlighted Brandenburg’s abundant waterways and praised the Beetzsee course as an ideal venue for international competitions.
Among the standout moments of the regatta was the recognition of 91-year-old Karl Träger from Roßleben, one of the oldest participants, who secured a victory with his crew in the quadruple sculls. Träger had previously competed at the Beetzsee during its inaugural German Rowing Festival in 1969, making this year’s success a fitting capstone to his career. Together with other “Octos” – rowers over the age of 80 – he was honored for his achievements and presented with a book chronicling the history of the Beetzsee regatta, authored by Hartmut Duif, Uwe Philipp, and Norbert Plaul.
The regatta also brought home numerous successes for local athletes. The Ruder-Club-Havel Brandenburg (R.C.H.B.) saw 15 participants, several of whom earned medals. Among them were Lars and Jens Beilfuß, Guido Kutscher, and their Australian teammate Uwe Dombrowski, who, alongside coxswain Steffy Gädicke, won gold in the coxed four. Ronja Fini Sturm also added multiple medals to her collection, while Enrico Goldstein secured gold in the quadruple sculls.
Chief organizer Volker Garmatter expressed his satisfaction with the event's success and announced that Brandenburg has submitted a bid to host the Junior Rowing European Championships in 2026. In a symbolic ceremony on Saturday, he handed over the World Rowing flag to the organizers of the 2025 WRMR, which will take place in Banyoles, Spain.
While the competition on the water has ended, work continues on land as 1,700 boats await loading onto trailers, exhibitor tents need to be dismantled, and boat storage racks require disassembly. Looking back, the WRMR 2024 has been an undeniable success. Brandenburg’s Sports Deputy Alexandra Adel emphasized the importance of supporting large-scale events like the world’s largest rowing regatta, ensuring a strong future for the sport in the region.
For more information on WRMR, visit [www.wrmr2024.com].
