The U.S. National Beach Sprint Team is preparing to compete in the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals in Genoa with high expectations. With a track record of 12 medals since the team’s inception in 2021, Marc Oria’s squad is determined to excel.

Coach Marc Oria stated, “Our expectations for Genoa are nothing short of excellence, both in terms of results and overall experience. Given our track record, 12 medals since the team’s inception in 2021, we cannot aim for anything less. Our team always strives to be the best, constantly pushing our limits and aiming for the sky. We’re ready to give it our all and continue our legacy of success”.

The 2024 U.S. Beach Sprint National Team boasts a dynamic blend of young, talented rowers and seasoned veterans, all with deep roots in traditional flat water rowing and a shared enthusiasm for embracing the challenges and excitement of coastal rowing. The team features six newcomers who bring fresh energy and ambition, having already shown remarkable promise at trials and in recent competitions. First-time athletes include Ronan Maher, Nathaniel Pegg, Colton Seidel, Sierra Bishop, Justin Stevens, who represented the U.S. at both the 2023 World Rowing Coastal Championships and the 2022 World Rowing Championships, and Rio 2016 Paralympian Danielle Hansen.

The squad also includes ten returning athletes with a proven track record of success in both flat water and coastal rowing. Their years of dedication and achievements speak for themselves, adding valuable experience and leadership to the team. Notable returning athletes are Chris Bak, a four-time Beach Sprint National Team member and 2022 gold medalist in the open men’s solo; Christine Cavallo, an eight-time national team member and 2023 bronze medalist in the open women’s solo; Annelise Hahl, defending silver medalist in the junior women’s solo and 2022 bronze medalist in the junior women’s double sculls; Malachi Anderson, 2023 silver medalist in both the under 19 men’s solo and Under 19 mixed double sculls; and Britt Wotovich, a three-time Beach Sprint National Team member and 2023 silver medalist in the under 19 mixed double sculls.

Together, this mix of experience and new talent forms a great 16-athlete squad, united by a commitment to excellence and a desire to fully embrace the unique challenges and opportunities that Genoa offers. Oria emphasized that this year the team’s focus is not just on maintaining high standards but surpassing them: “Our focus is not just on maintaining our high standards but on surpassing them. We know what it takes to win, and we’ve set our sights on the highest achievements. Every athlete here is not only prepared to compete but to thrive in the dynamic and unpredictable conditions that coastal rowing presents”.

With unwavering determination and the resilience to overcome any obstacle, the U.S. National Team is ready to give its best. “Our expectations are clear: we aim to be the best. We will approach each race with the determination to succeed and the resilience to overcome any obstacle. Genoa is our stage, and we’re ready to leave it all on the water”.

All eyes will be on how this team, with its blend of experience and new talent, will continue to build on its legacy.