Rowing is a sport that is not currently included in the Commonwealth Games. This article seeks to explore some of the possible reasons why this might be so.
What is the Commonwealth Games?
The Commonwealth Games is a multi-sport event held every four years, involving athletes from the Commonwealth nations. The event was first held in 1930, and has since been held every four years, with the exception of 1942 and 1946, due to the Second World War. The Games are currently overseen by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), which also oversees the Paralympic Games for athletes with a disability.
The most recent Games were held in Glasgow, Scotland in 2014, and the next Games will be held on the Gold Coast, Australia in 2018. The Games are open to any athlete who is a citizen of a Commonwealth nation, and who meets the eligibility criteria set out by the CGF. With over 70 nations now participating, the Commonwealth Games is one of the largest sporting events in the world.
Why is rowing not in the Commonwealth Games 2022?
Rowing has a long and proud history in the Commonwealth Games, dating all the way back to 1930. However, due to a lack of suitable facilities, the sport was not included in the games from 1966 to 1986. However, it made a brief comeback in 1986 before being removed from the program again.
However, rowing continued to be contested among Commonwealth countries at the Commonwealth Rowing Championships. This event was first held in 1994 and continued through to 2014. Unfortunately, there is no word yet of a 2022 Commonwealth Rowing Championships. However, we are hopeful that this event will continue to encourage the development of fledgling rowing programs in some of the commonwealth nations less familiar with our sport.
There are many countries in the commonwealth with proud histories in the sport of rowing on the world stage, and it is encouraging to see commonwealth nations emerging more and more prominently in the annual World Cup and World Championships regattas. In 2010 rowing was upgraded by the Commonwealth Federation from a ‘recognized’ sport to an ‘optional’ sport, a significant improvement that could see the sport become a Commonwealth contender once more.
Which brings us to where it stands today. As an ‘optional’ sport, host nations may choose to include rowing in their event program in addition to the ten core sports. However, hosts are limited to a maximum of eight optional sports (with the odd exception) which could be why rowing is yet to feature in the games despite its new upgraded status.
It also may be because suitable rowing venues are not accessible to all host cities, and are a considerable investment to build especially for the games.
We can only hope that host cities in the future will follow Auckland’s example, and look further afield for a site which could accommodate rowing, and other open-water sports.
Commonwealth FAQs
1. What is the Commonwealth Games?
The Commonwealth Games is a multi-sport event held every four years, which involves athletes from all over the Commonwealth nations. It was first held in 1930, and since then has been held every four years with a few exceptions due to World War II. The most recent games were held in Glasgow, Scotland in 2014.
2. What are the requirements for athletes to participate in the Commonwealth Games?
To be eligible to compete in the Commonwealth Games, athletes must be citizens of a Commonwealth nation and meet the eligibility criteria set out by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF).
3. Why was rowing removed from the Commonwealth Games program?
Rowing was removed from the Commonwealth Games program due to a lack of suitable facilities. however, it made a brief comeback in 1986 before being removed again.
4. What is the status of rowing in the Commonwealth Games today?
Rowing is an ‘optional’ sport in the Commonwealth Games, which means that host nations may choose to include it in their event program. However, hosts are limited to a maximum of eight optional sports.
5. Is there hope for rowing to be included in future Commonwealth Games?
Yes, there is hope for rowing to be included in future Commonwealth Games. In 2010, rowing was upgraded by the Commonwealth Federation from a ‘recognized’ sport to an ‘optional’ sport, which is a significant improvement that could see the sport become a Commonwealth contender once more.
