MAIN Sports 2012 Summer Olympics Rowing

An epic test of strength and stamina, rowing has become one of the most popular spectator sports at the Summer Games.

Led by traditionally strong showings by Germany and Great Britain, the introduction of lightweight rowing competitions has also given other teams worldwide a full-paddle opportunity to medal at the event.

Men and women compete for Olympic medals in single sculls, double sculls, lightweight double sculls, quadruple sculls, pair, and teams of eight with coxswain. The men have two other events - the four and lightweight four.

The eight with coxswain event is probably the most familiar sculling event, but the individual and smaller team competitions can be just as exciting.

Without a "cox" or a leader to steer and direct the boat, you may get lost surfing for the results from your favorite team. These sites will get you back in tempo...

More about Olympic rowing around the Web:

International Olympic Committee - Rowing - Historical facts and Olympic background plus updates, profiles of Olympic rowing champions, photo gallery, with technical details on sculls and coxswain events, related glossary.

World Rowing.com - Plenty of good info on the history, skills and equipment you'll need if you want to reach Olymic level with an extensive photo gallery and profiles of rowing champs, competition news & highlights.

US Rowing - The official site of Team USA with a special Olympics section and updates on the US team including athlete bios, photos.

British Rowing - The official site of Team GB including news, photos, and a complete guide to the sport including rowing basics, information local and regional UK clubs and competitions, historical background, FAQ.

Rowing Australia - Latest news and media guides, squad competition event calendar and updates, team information and athlete bios, photo gallery.

Rowing at the Summer Olympics - Wikipedia entry with an extensive look at the history of the sport including race distances and qualifications, complete list of multiple Olympic medalists by year, related links.

also see in Olympics -> Olympic Canoeing