2026 WORLD ROWING CHAMPIONSHIPS

World Championship medals and outstanding performances in Amsterdam

KAND Rowing Club has plenty to celebrate following an outstanding 2026 World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam, with our athletes and coaching staff representing both Australia and New Zealand on one of rowing’s biggest international stages. From a history-making bronze medal in an extraordinary Men’s Eight A Final to World Championship silver and outstanding top-eight performances, Amsterdam delivered a Championships to remember for KAND.

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BRONZE FOR MITCH SALISBURY & PATRICK LONG

KAND athletes Mitch Salisbury and Patrick Long claimed a brilliant World Championship bronze medal with the Australian Men’s Eight following an extraordinary A Final on Amsterdam’s Bosbaan.

It was an exceptional race from start to finish, with Australia, Great Britain and the Netherlands locked in an incredible three-crew battle across the entire 2,000 metres. As they charged towards the finish line, all three crews were still fighting for the World Championship title, crossing the line remarkably close together that eventually saw just 0.06 seconds seperate Gold and Silver, with Australia ultimately securing Bronze, only narrowly missing out on Silver by 0.47 seconds in a breathtaking finish. The Australians’ performance was made even more remarkable by their time, racing under the previous World Best Time and becoming the fastest Australian Men’s Eight ever.

A World Championship bronze medal, a history-making performance and a race that showed Australia belongs right amongst the very best in the world. Huge congratulations to Mitch Salisbury and Patrick Long, two outstanding KAND athletes who have made their club and country incredibly proud.

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SILVER FOR CHRIS HOLLIDAY

KAND High Performance Manager Chris Holliday helped guide Australian para-rowing great Erik Horrie PLY OAM to a brilliant silver medal in the PR1 Men’s Single Sculls A Final. Horrie produced another outstanding performance on the international stage, crossing the line second to secure yet another World Championship medal in his remarkable career.

For Chris, the result represents another significant achievement at the highest level of international rowing and reflects the experience, commitment and high-performance coaching expertise he brings to KAND.

The silver medal is an achievement the entire KAND community is incredibly proud to celebrate.

FIFTH IN THE WORLD FOR TOBY GOFFSASSEN

KAND athlete Toby Goffsassen PLY delivered an outstanding result in Amsterdam, finishing fifth in the A Final of the PR3 Mixed Coxed Four.

Competing as part of a newly formed Australian combination, Toby and his crew earned their place amongst the world’s best and produced an impressive performance on the biggest stage.

For a crew still in the early stages of its development together, fifth in the world is an outstanding result and an exciting indication of what this combination may be capable of in the future. There is enormous potential within this crew, and we are incredibly excited to watch their progression from here.

EIGHTH IN THE WORLD FOR JACKSON FREE

KAND athlete Jackson Free capped off a strong World Championships campaign with an impressive second-place finish in the B Final of the Men’s Quadruple Sculls, securing eighth place overall in the world.

Representing Australia alongside his Men’s Quad crewmates, Jackson produced a quality final race as the Australians fought all the way to the line, holding off fast-finishing crews from China and Czechia to secure second place.

The result places Jackson and the Australian Men’s Quad amongst the world’s leading crews and represents another outstanding international achievement for the KAND athlete. Finishing eighth in the world is a result to be incredibly proud of and another important step for Jackson as he continues to establish himself on the international stage.

ELLA COSSILL REPRESENTING NEW ZEALAND

KAND athlete Ella Cossill proudly represented New Zealand in the Women’s Eight, progressing through to the A Final and finishing sixth in the world.

Reaching a World Championship A Final is an outstanding achievement, placing Ella and her New Zealand crewmates amongst the very best Women’s Eight crews in international rowing. It was another impressive international campaign for Ella and a result the entire KAND community is incredibly proud to celebrate.

PROUDLY KAND, PROUDLY AUSTRALIAN

Amsterdam 2026 has been an exceptional World Rowing Championships for KAND.

Across Australian and New Zealand crews, our athletes raced amongst the very best in the world, returning with a World Championship bronze medal and outstanding fifth, sixth and eighth-place world finishes. Alongside them, KAND High Performance Manager Chris Holliday helped guide Erik Horrie to World Championship silver.

We also want to recognise KAND athlete Darcy Watter, who was selected as a reserve for the Australian sweep team. His selection capped off an incredible international season and is a significant achievement in itself, reflecting the hard work, commitment and performances that have marked an outstanding year for Darcy. We are immensely proud of everything he has achieved this season and can’t wait to see what 2027 has in store.

It has been an incredibly successful international season for KAND, and we could not be prouder of everything our athletes and coaches have achieved. Now we can’t wait to welcome everyone home, back to the Tin Shed, to celebrate their achievements together before turning our attention to another exciting season ahead. Congratulations to Mitch Salisbury, Patrick Long, Toby Goffsassen, Jackson Free, Ella Cossill, Darcy Watter and Chris Holliday on an outstanding international season. Bring on 2027, and we’ll see you in Lucerne for the World Championships.

One Program. One Philosophy. One Team.