From October 27 to October 31, Okayama University Rowing Club members KIYONO Yudai, OKAZAKI Aya, and HORIE Risa took part in the 48th Intercollegiate Rowing Championships at Toda Rowing Course (Saitama Prefecture, Toda City), taking part in the men’s single skull and women’s double skull, respectively.

The championships were originally planned for September but had to be postponed to October after the government declared a state of emergency in response to the coronavirus pandemic. As a direct and unfortunate result, some club members who were supposed to compete were suddenly unable to participate. Additionally, strict rules were put in place to limit the number of people rowing on the course at one time. Crews from all divisions had to compete in a 2000-meter time trial race on the first day, leaving only the top teams to race in the final events.

Thirty-eight crews from universities all over Japan competed in the men’s single skull division time trial, with only thirteen advancing to the final round. Unfortunately, Mr. Kiyono dropped out in the time trial.

Twenty-five crews from universities all over Japan competed in the women’s double skull division time trial, with only fourteen making it to the final round. Unfortunately, Ms. Okazaki and Ms. Horie also dropped out in the time trial.

Commenting on the results, Mr. Kiyono said, “Our club faced many restrictions as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, but I am happy that two crews, in the men’s single skull division and women’s double skull division, we’re able to make it to the Intercollegiate Championships as a result of our hard work. Even though both crews dropped out in the time trials, we learnt a lot from racing against top-level university crews. I am very grateful to everyone who worked together to participate in and organize the event despite the ongoing pandemic, including university staff, club alumni, and my fellow club members. We plan to make the most of this experience and incorporate what we have learnt into our future practice.”