U23 World Rowing Championships in Duisburg – medal roundup

Portugal secured its first U23 world rowing gold when Pedro Rodrigues and Tomás Neves won the men’s double sculls in a 6:20.83 race, beating German and Irish crews. Their victory was hailed as a historic milestone for Portuguese rowing.

Spain expanded its medal haul with three podium finishes: a silver and two bronzes. Esther Fuerte claimed bronze in the women’s single scull, while Emma Alimbau, Lidia Florido and Amanda Gil earned bronze in the women’s coxless four. A Spanish double‑scull pair also won the B final.

Italy added two medals, with Igor Zappa taking silver in the PR3 single and the women’s four of Noemi De Vincenzi, Maria Lanciano, Aurora Spirito and Irene Gattiglia capturing bronze. Italian crews posted several fourth‑place finishes and numerous top‑ten results.

The championships featured over 600 athletes from 48‑49 nations. The overall medal table was led by Greece, the United States and Great Britain, while Portugal, Spain and Italy recorded their most successful U23 campaigns to date.