SA national rowing team to challenge the best at World Rowing Championships

Proudly representing South Africa, the RMB National Squad is geared up to compete in two of the most challenging events at the World Rowing Championships in Shanghai, China, from September 21–28, 2025.

The world’s best rowers will converge for the highly anticipated championships, which promise to be the toughest since the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

With nearly 900 athletes from 56 countries participating across 23 boat classes, the competition will be fierce.

As the only consistent African presence at this elite level, South Africa will aim for glory in the women’s single sculls and the men’s pair, both events featuring a substantial number of entries.

In the women's single sculls event, which features 20 entries, Paige Badenhorst is eager to prove herself. Badenhorst secured an 8th-place finish at World Cup II in Lucerne and was a finalist at the Henley Royal Regatta.

"We've settled in nicely over the last few days, and I'm super excited to test my speed against the best in the world," said Badenhorst in anticipation of her upcoming races.

The men's pair event boasts an impressive 23 entries, with Damien Bonhage-Koen and Christopher Baxter leading the charge for South Africa. They have already demonstrated their potential with a 4th-place finish in the A Final in Lucerne, complemented by a strong campaign at Henley.

"I am excited to fly my country’s flag on the international stage," said Bonhage-Koen, while Baxter expressed his confidence, saying, "I’m feeling confident in the training that we’ve done this season, and I’m extremely excited to get the opportunity to race again."