Voices on the U23 European Championships in Duisburg

A great deal of praise for the organizers and tremendous joy at finally being able to row for medals again – that is the overall impression reflected in the “voices” following the U23 European Rowing Championships this weekend at the Duisburg regatta course.

I am happy and relieved that everything went so well. I would say that due to our safety concept, we had roughly double the workload compared to a normal regatta. That’s why it feels especially good to receive so much praise from the officials, but above all from the athletes. In return, I can say that the athletes behaved with tremendous discipline and—aside from very few exceptions—followed all the rules. That made things a bit easier. My thanks go to Tobias Weysters, who developed the hygiene concept and coordinated it with the authorities. My thanks also go to the City of Duisburg, which placed its trust in us to implement this concept. Finally, I want to thank our volunteers. They worked with great enthusiasm and made it possible for the European Championships to take place in the first place.

Thomas Küpper, Chairman of International Wedau Regatta e.V.

We are very grateful to Duisburg and the organizing team. With great dedication, they made the first international regatta of the year possible. What impressed me the most was the detailed hygiene concept and the way it was implemented. In my view, it is exemplary, especially with regard to the two regattas in Serbia and Poland that we still plan to hold this year.

What was particularly wonderful: I was able to see the smiling faces of the athletes, and I could tell—they are incredibly happy to finally be able to race again.

Matt Smith, Executive Director of the World Rowing Federation (FISA)

We are very happy that we can finally take part in a regatta again. It’s not always pleasant or practical to have to wear a mask all the time, but the organization is perfect. We feel very safe and were able to compete under optimal conditions here in Duisburg. Hopefully the situation will improve soon. But it really was a fantastic regatta.

Pauline Rossignol, gold medallist in the women’s coxed four from France

The special appeal this year lay in being able to offer the athletes an international competition at the highest level during these challenging Corona times. After months of training, we wanted to give them, through this European Championship, the highlight they truly deserved. I am particularly grateful to my team at the regatta course, led by Mirco Günther. They put in tremendous effort, and no task was too much for them as they prepared the perfect stage for the athletes and their sport.

Jürgen Dietz, Head of DuisburgSport

I have an excellent impression of this European Championship, especially since the external conditions are also ideal. What makes us particularly happy is that more than 30 nations are competing, and there is a great atmosphere because everyone is glad that we are allowed to row again. The desire to get back on the water for a competition was extremely strong. All coaches, athletes, and support staff accepted the regulations without discussion and with great discipline. It was a bold decision to tackle the preparation and execution of this event. On the other hand, the high level of discipline here shows that it is indeed possible. I think it’s outstanding.

Siegfried Kaidel, President of the German Rowing Federation

You can tell that the athletes have been waiting a long time for a competition. It was fun to watch. With so many participants, it is a real challenge to comply with all hygiene and distancing rules. But it worked well, and that’s how you can safely make great sport possible.

Sören Link, Lord Mayor of the City of Duisburg