U.S. Heads to Plovdiv for 2026 World Rowing Under 19 Championships

The United States is set to compete at the 2026 World Rowing Under 19 Championships, August 6-9, in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Thirty-nine athletes will represent the U.S. across nine boat classes as they take on the world's top junior rowers.

The U.S. returns to Plovdiv following a successful 2025 campaign in Trakai, Lithuania, where the women's four captured gold and the women's eight earned silver. Seven athletes from last year's squad return to the world stage, bringing valuable international experience to a team that blends proven performers with talented newcomers. Several athletes from last year's Under 19 team advanced to the Under 23 national team this season, including Claire Van Praagh, who won gold in the women's four at the 2026 World Rowing Under 23 Championships.

Among the returning U19 athletes are Caitlin Cecere, who won silver in the women's eight in 2025 and returns to the event this year, Clare Junius, who will race in the women's quadruple sculls, and John Piersma, who is back in the men's four. The U.S. roster also features several athletes making their World Rowing Under 19 Championships debut after standout performances at the 2026 USRowing Youth National Championships and Under 19 Trials. Among them are Shay Tripel, who won the women's Under 19 single sculls at Trials and will compete in the women's quadruple sculls. Porter Collins, an alternate on last year's squad, won the men's Under 19 single sculls at Trials after finishing second in the event at the 2026 USRowing Youth National Championships. Collins will represent the United States in the men's single sculls.

The United States will race in the men's and women's double sculls, men's and women's fours, men's and women's quadruple sculls, men's and women's eights, the men's single sculls, as well as the mixed double sculls and mixed eight.

Competition begins Thursday with heats across multiple boat classes before progressing through quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals. Medal racing concludes the championships on Sunday. 

Fans can follow results and schedule here. Livestream coverage will be available on YouTube and Overnght.