A total of 52 nations, represented by 749 young competitors, will compete at the 2007 World Rowing Under 23 Championships to be held in Strathclyde, Scotland from 26 to 29 July.
Formerly known as the Nation's Cup and the Match des Séniors, this is the third year that this regatta for rowers up to 22 years of age has had "World Rowing Championship" status. It started in 1976 with 11 nations and 65 rowers participating. The event acts as a stepping stone for athletes on their way to the elite level, but who are still refining their skills. After years in the 1980s of 20 nations and the 1990s of approximately 30 nations entering this event, now an entry of more than 50 nations participating is an expectation.
The highest number of entries (24) comes in the men's single sculls. This is closely followed by the lightweight men's single with 23 boats competing. Among the women's events, the most contested will be the lightweight single sculls with 18 entries, closely followed by the lightweight women's doubles with 17 entries.
As per tradition, Germany brings the highest number of boats to this regatta. With 20 crews entered, totalling 63 athletes, the depth of Germany's rowing programme is reflected in these numbers. Behind Germany comes Italy with 15 boats and then France and Great Britain with 12 boats each. From far afield, Australia will participate in 10 boats, the United States with 10 and New Zealand with seven boats.
At last year's event, Germany came out at the top of the medals table with a total count of five, including three gold medals.
Many young athletes have been on their countries' World Cup squads this season, and several have already proven great talent. This is the case for Storm Uru, New Zealand's new lightweight talent. Uru was U23 champion last year and has now had a very successful run in the Rowing World Cup series. The 22-year-old achieved two silver medals in the earlier part of the season among his senior counterparts in Amsterdam and in Lucerne.
The World Rowing Under 23 Championships is often a first occasion for international competition for young athletes supported by FISA's Development Programme. This year will see a first time participation for Nigeria and Sudan - a "significant advance for African rowing" according to FISA's Development Director Thor Nilsen.
The World Rowing Under 23 Championships regatta in Strathclyde (near Glasgow) begins on 26 July. The A Finals will be raced on Sunday 29 July.