USRowing Announces 2026 United We Row Design Contest Winner

USRowing is proud to announce that Oona Weine, a 16-year-old coxswain from Rumson, New Jersey, has been selected as the winner of the 2026 United We Row Design Contest.

The annual contest invites members of the rowing community to create original artwork that represents the spirit of United We Row and will be featured on official USRowing merchandise. This year's theme encouraged artists to explore how rowing fosters unity and belonging while reflecting the changing seasons that shape the rowing experience on and off the water. The winning design will debut on official merchandise online and at the 2026 Youth National Championships.

Weine's winning artwork beautifully captures the essence of rowing through a creative visual interpretation of the phrase "United We Row." The design incorporates recognizable elements of the sport—including sculling and sweep crews, oars, uniforms, tools, and equipment—while celebrating the people who make the rowing community so special.

"My design spells out 'United We Row' using familiar elements of the sport that all athletes recognize," said Weine. "More importantly are the different people. Rowers and coxswains of diverse races, genders, ages, abilities, and identities are all brought together through a shared love and commitment to this team sport."

A student-athlete at RFH Rowing in Rumson, New Jersey, Weine has served as a coxswain for the past two years. An accomplished young artist, she has explored a variety of creative mediums, including painting, ceramics, and digital design. In addition to her personal artistic pursuits, she has contributed design work for team fundraising efforts and local nonprofit organizations.

“Whether it’s a practice in summer, regattas in fall, derigging for the season with conditioning during winter, or racing again in the spring, rowing never fails to create an irreplaceable sense of community” said Weine. 

Her design embodies the mission of United We Row, which seeks to ensure that rowing is a place where everyone feels a sense of belonging and has a seat in the boat. USRowing congratulates Oona on this achievement and thanks all of the artists who shared their creativity and passion through this year's contest. The rowing community can look forward to seeing Weine's winning design featured on official United We Row merchandise here.