U.S. Women’s Pair Wins Bronze at 2026 World Rowing Championships

The U.S. added an additional medal to its count at the 2026 World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam on Day Five, earning a bronze medal in the women’s pair and advancing both its men’s and women’s single scullers to the semifinals. 

Women’s Pair A Finals

Romania and Italy got off to a fast start in the opening 250 meters, while Olympian Regina Salmons (Methuen, Mass.) and Mia Levy (Des Moines, Iowa) settled into the field. The Americans crossed the first 500 meters in sixth place before moving into fifth place in the second 500 meters.

Romania began to pull away from the field as the U.S. made its move in the third 500 meters, overtaking the Czech Republic to move into fourth and setting their sights on Italy in third.  Salmons and Levy surged again in the final 500 meters, clearing Italy and closing in on France in second. The French crew responded in the sprint to secure silver, while Salmons and Levy crossed the line in 6:59.76 to win bronze.

“We had a great start and got to our length,” said Regina Salmons. “Mia has an incredible rhythm and part of our race plan is knowing that we have that sprint and Mia has those incredible watts. So we trusted that and stayed chill and just went for it.”

The medal is the first senior world championship medal for Levy and the second for Salmons. Salmons returned for her first World Championships after receiving surgery two years ago. 

Speaking about her return from injury, Salmons said “I couldn’t lift my arms for six months post-surgery, so now, two years later, to be on the podium is just so special. I’m so grateful to Josy and Jesse and the whole team for believing in me, that I could get back to the podium. It really takes a village. I hope everyone knows it’s not just us on the podium.”

Women’s Single Sculls Quarterfinal

Olympian Lauren O’Connor (Madison, Wis.) finished second in her quarterfinal to secure a spot in tomorrow’s semifinals. O’Connor came off the start in third as Serbia and South Africa established an early lead. The American found her rhythm in the second 500 meters and began chipping away at South Africa’s advantage. O’Connor made her move in the final 500 meters, overtaking South Africa to claim second place in 7:31.82. 

Men’s Single Sculls Quarterfinal

Sam Melvin (Huntington Beach, Calif.) posted the fastest quarterfinal time of the day, winning his race to advance to tomorrow’s semifinals. Victor Marcelot of France edged ahead of Melvin in the opening 500 meters, but the American remained within striking distance before making his move in the third 500. Melvin surged past the French rower and took control of the race, continuing to build his lead through the final 500 meters. He crossed the finish line in 6:42.36 to win the quarterfinal and secure his spot in the semifinals.

Racing continues tomorrow with the men’s and women’s four and quadruple sculls A Finals, men’s and women’s single sculls semifinals, the men’s and women’s eight heats, and the mixed double sculls heats. 

Follow the results and schedule here. Livestream coverage will be available on YouTube and Overnght. Photos of the event can be found here.

USRowing would like to thank Filippi Lido, the Official Boat Supplier for the U.S. Senior and Para Rowing National Teams. Under the agreement, Filippi is providing USRowing a fleet of boats for international competitions, including the World Rowing Cup regattas, World Rowing Championships, Olympic Games, and Paralympic Games, as well as a domestic training fleet for the USRowing Training Centers.