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International Federation · Rowing

World Rowing

The international rowing federation since 1892 — among the oldest in world sport — governing the Olympic regatta, the Worlds and the World Cup.
✓ Last reviewed: August 2026
Founded1892, Turin — as FISA; renamed World Rowing 2020
HeadquartersLausanne, Switzerland
PresidentJean-Christophe Rolland — re-elected 2025 (115 of 115 votes) to a fourth term
FlagshipsWorld Championships · World Cup series · coastal & indoor rowing worlds

What is World Rowing?

World Rowing — founded in Turin in 1892 as FISA, the Fédération Internationale des Sociétés d'Aviron — is among the oldest international federations in sport, Lausanne-based, governing rowing in all its racing forms.[1] [2]

What does it govern?

The rules and boat classes; the World Championships, World Cup and continental qualifiers; coastal and beach sprint rowing (Olympic from LA28), indoor rowing and para rowing; and the Olympic regatta with the IOC — through 150+ national federations.[2] [3]

Who leads it?

President Jean-Christophe Rolland of France — Olympic champion oarsman — re-elected unanimously (115 of 115 votes) at the 2025 Shanghai Congress to a fourth term.[4]

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — Rowing (governance). Accessed August 2026.
  2. World Rowing — official site. Accessed August 2026.
  3. World Rowing — events. Accessed August 2026.
  4. World Rowing — Rolland re-elected president for a fourth term. Accessed August 2026.