Jun 28, 2026
Team USA
Four Gold, Two Silver, Six Bronze: U.S. Makes History at World Cup III
The United States capped an outstanding weekend at World Rowing Cup III in Lucerne, Switzerland, collecting 12 medals—the most of any nation at the regatta. The medal haul included three gold, two silver, and five bronze medals on the final day, highlighted by victories in the women's pair, women's four, and mixed double sculls, while several additional crews reached the podium to conclude a successful final World Cup before the World Rowing Championships. The PR3 mixed four won gold yesterday with the men's lightweight single sculls taking bronze. Combined with the 11 medals won at World Cup II, the U.S.'s results secured the nation's first-ever Overall World Cup Points Trophy, recognizing the top-performing country across the 2026 World Rowing Cup series.
Women's Pair
Mia Levy and Olympian Regina Salmons delivered a composed and powerful performance to claim gold in the women's pair. The Czech Republic held a narrow advantage through the opening 1,000 meters, but the Americans stayed within striking distance before making their move over the final 500 meters. Levy and Salmons surged into the lead and crossed the line in 7:09.44, defeating the Czech crew by 3.07 seconds. The second American entry of Etta Carpender and Alexandria Vallancey-Martinson battled France throughout the race before finishing fifth in 7:19.83.
Women's Four
The U.S. women's four added another gold medal to an already impressive weekend. Olympians Kate Knifton, Teal Cohen, Azja Czajkowski, and Molly Bruggeman trailed Australia by a few seats through the opening half of the race before taking control in the third 500 meters. The Americans continued to build their advantage with a dominant sprint, crossing the finish line in 6:30.18, more than four seconds ahead of Australia.
Mixed Double Sculls
The United States earned two more medals in the mixed double sculls, taking gold and bronze. Cedar Cunningham and Sophia Vitas controlled the race from the opening strokes, building an early lead they never relinquished to win gold. Olympian Jacob Plihal and Emily Kallfelz held third throughout the race, finishing in 6:46.83 to secure bronze.
Men's Pair
Olympian Pieter Quinton and Madison Molitor earned silver in the men's pair after a determined second-half charge. Australia established an early lead while the Americans remained with the pack through the opening 1,000 meters. Quinton and Molitor moved into medal contention over the third 500 before sprinting past Switzerland in the closing meters. They finished in 6:35.97 to secure silver behind Australia.
Women's Double Sculls
The United States captured both silver and bronze in the women's double sculls as the battle for gold was decided by just 0.48 seconds. The Netherlands established an early lead, while Olympians Emily Kallfelz and Sophia Vitas settled into second place. Evan Park and Isa Darvin remained close behind before overtaking Ireland in the third 500 meters to move into bronze position. Kallfelz and Vitas closed rapidly on the Dutch leaders but ran out of water, finishing second in 7:03.50, with Park and Darvin taking bronze in 7:05.74.
Men's Single Sculls
Sam Melvin claimed his second World Cup medal of the summer with a bronze in the men's single sculls. Sitting fifth after the opening 500 meters, Melvin worked his way into third by halfway through the race. Olympic champion Oliver Zeidler controlled the race from the front while Melvin moved ahead of Simon van Dorp. Yauheni Zalaty eventually edged ahead, leaving Melvin to finish third in 6:49.44.
Men's Double Sculls
Cedar Cunningham and Olympian Jacob Plihal stormed through the field to earn bronze in the men's double sculls. Great Britain led the early stages while the Americans remained within striking distance. A powerful second half saw Cunningham and Plihal move into medal position, overtaking Great Britain and nearly catching Serbia for silver. The U.S. crossed the line in 6:20.82, just 0.29 seconds shy of second place.
Women's Eight
The women's eight of Olympian Nina Castagna, Kate Knifton, Teal Cohen, Azja Czajkowski, Mia Levy, Regina Salmons, Etta Carpender, Alexandria Vallancey-Martinson, and Molly Bruggeman earned bronze after a hard-fought race. Great Britain established an early lead while the Americans battled the Netherlands throughout the second half. The U.S. sprint proved decisive as they secured third in 6:11.26.
Men's Four
Two American crews lined up in the men's four final. Olympian Peter Chatain, Olympian Chris Carlson, Sam Sullivan, and Nathan Phelps raced in medal contention throughout, holding second for much of the race before an intense sprint for the podium saw them finish fourth in 6:02.80. Josh Diggons, Gus Rodriguez, Jacob Hudgins, and Mike Herman placed sixth.
PR3 Mixed Double Sculls
Henry Billington and Sarah Menefee settled into fourth during the opening half of the race as the leading three crews established separation early. The Americans maintained their position throughout the course, finishing fourth in 7:51.32.
Next up for the U.S. is the 2026 World Rowing Championships Trials, set for July 3-5 in West Windsor, N.J., where athletes will compete for spots on the team in multiple events. The World Championships will be held August 24-30 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Results and information can be found here.
