GB Students Dominate at 2025 FISU World University Games, Securing Five Medals and Leading the Rowing Medal Count
Great Britain Rowing Team Shines at 2025 FISU World University Games
Great Britain's rowing team made a splash at the 2025 FISU World University Games in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany, bringing home an impressive medal haul. The team won a total of five medals, including three golds, one silver, and one bronze.
The gold medals were earned in the Women’s Four, Men’s Eight, and Women’s Eight events. Sarah Marshall, Phoebe Snowden, Zoe McCutcheon, and Holly Youd made up the Women’s Four team, securing their victory with a three-second lead over Germany. The Men’s Eight was coached by Sam Sheppard and claimed the top spot in a close race, with the Netherlands ahead at the 500m, but the GB crew surged ahead to win. The Women’s Eight team, led by Alex Leigh, also took home the gold.
Josh Knight, a rising star on the GB Rowing Team Olympic Talent Pathway based at the Bath Performance Development Academy, won a silver medal in the Men’s Single Sculls. Toby Lassen and Felix Rawlinson won a bronze medal in the Men’s Pair, having continued to build confidence and experience throughout the event.
Angharad Broughton and Lauren Carey finished in fifth place in the Women’s pair, coached by Zoe Taylor. Rebekah Court and Rachel Bradley finished fourth in the Women’s double sculls, coached by Holly Young. Zara Povey finished in fifth place in the Women’s single sculls.
The rowing team consisted of twenty-six athletes, twenty-one of whom won medals. Dan Harris, the lead coach, stated that it was an "awesome achievement" for the team to finish fifth or higher and top the medal table. The team included a mix of seasoned international athletes, World Cup athletes, U23 medallists, and those earning international vests for the first time.
The World University Games is one of the biggest sporting events in the world, with over 10,000 students from 150 countries competing at a multi-sport games across the Rhine-Ruhr valley in Germany. The success of the Great Britain rowing team at this prestigious event is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the athletes and their coaches.
Rowing development within the Great Britain Rowing Team was displayed prominently at the 2025 FISU World University Games, with the team earning sports success through five medals won. The rowing news that emerged from the event highlighted the victory of the Women’s Four, Men’s Eight, and Women’s Eight teams, with impressive performances by athletes such as Sarah Marshall, Josh Knight, and Alex Leigh.
