Bak and Kasden Named 2025 USRowing Beach Sprint Athletes of the Year

USRowing is pleased to announce that Chris Bak has been named the 2025 Male Beach Sprint Athlete of the Year, while Coral Kasden has been named the 2025 Female Beach Sprint Athlete of the Year.

Selected by the athletes and coaches of the Gemini.com U.S. Beach Sprint National Team that competed at the 2025 World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals in Antalya, Turkey.

Chris Bak made history this year as the first athlete to claim three world titles in the men’s solo event. His nail-biting silver-medal performance in the mixed double sculls cemented his status as the most decorated beach sprint athlete of all time. An instrumental member of the Beach Sprint team since its beginning, Bak has continually driven the team’s growth and competitive standards. He previously secured men’s solo titles in 2022 and 2024, along with gold and bronze medals in the mixed coxed quadruple sculls in 2023 and 2022. This is the third year Bak has received the honor. 

"Receiving the 2025 USRowing Male Beach Sprint Athlete of the Year award is incredibly humbling," said Chris Bak. "When I look at this award, I see the faces of the people who have carried me, pushed me, and believed in me throughout this journey. Beach sprints has taken me through some of the highest highs and the most challenging moments of my athletic life, and every step forward has been made possible because I was never alone and always had my teammates next to me."

"My teammates are the reason I get to chase this dream at all. They’re the ones who stand next to me in the sand, who show up day after day, and who are the ones who help me keep my head up on hard days. The fact that some of my closest friends vote on this award means everything to me. These are the people who know the sacrifices, the setbacks, and the small victories that no one else ever sees on long training trips. From carrying the boats to and from the water every day to the hard practices that make you question why you row in the first place, they are always there. To be chosen by them is an honor I don’t take lightly. In my eyes, they all deserve this award. This sport is built on shared trust and shared ambition, and I am proud to represent a group of athletes who lift each other up, even at our lowest moments."

"I also want to thank my sponsors, Gutzy Organic, Filippi Boats, X-Boat, and Croker Oars. Their support hasn’t just equipped me with the tools I need to perform; it has allowed me to grow, explore new limits, and chase my goals with confidence. They’ve backed me through the climb, and I’m grateful for the belief they’ve shown in both me and in the future of coastal rowing."

"I also want to thank USRowing as an organization and as a staff. There have been so many people who have been a part of this journey, and working with so many of you has truly been a pleasure. To be immediately welcomed onto a team truly feels like family. Thank you for putting up with my weird work hours and always trusting me. Without the amazing staff and support of the organization, none of this would be possible."

"And then there is my coach, Marc Oria. Marc has been with me since the very beginning of my rowing life. He’s seen every side of me, from my highest moments and my lowest moments; he has always believed in me. He has shaped who I am as an athlete, teammate, and person, and has done so with passion and kindness. He knows every one of the athletes he coaches on a personal level, and it is truly a gift that he has to connect with those around him. To share this moment with him feels especially meaningful because so much of my journey has been built on the foundation he helped lay."

"From the early mornings when I questioned whether I belonged in this sport, to the moments on the world stage that changed my life, I’ve learned that the most powerful part of rowing is the people who surround you. This award may carry my name, but it is truly a reflection of a community that never stopped believing in me."

"I’m honored, grateful, and beyond excited to keep pushing forward with this incredible team behind me."

Coral Kasden played a crucial role in bringing the mixed coxed quadruple sculls back to the top of the podium. Racing the opening leg, her speed, agility, and precise steering set the tone and helped secure a world title for the U.S. Her leadership and three years of experience in the event proved vital to the crew’s success. Kasden previously captured gold in the mixed coxed quadruple sculls in 2023.

“I am beyond words and incredibly honored to be voted Athlete of the Year by my team," said Coral Kadsen. "It means even more to me that they voted for a coxswain."

"I am grateful to all my teammates on the senior team for their fire, their grit; to Coach Ben Booth for training my sprints in the sand; to the U19 squad for the hype; and to the boat handlers for their constant support in the waves. Special shoutout to my quad, Kory, Annelise, Audrey, and Malachi."

"Now for Coach Marc Oria. I can’t simply tell you about Coach Marc, I can only show you: picture Coach Marc out in the ocean, treading water 250m offshore for an hour, to fine-tune our 180° turns. That kind of mentality elevates your own. I wouldn’t be the athlete and teammate I am without all that Coach Marc cultivates."

"And we wouldn’t have accomplished what we did this year without USRowing’s dedication to our sport, Filippi’s support through our pre-Worlds camp, and the Türkiye Rowing Federation, without which we wouldn’t have had a World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals this year.”