On 13 and 14 June, the Chinese Rowing Association held a beach sprint-themed fitness activity at Dajiao Bay Luozhou Seaside Park on Hailing Island in Yangjiang City, Guangdong Province. Last year, the same beach was the site of beach sprint’s debut in the 15th China National Games. The free event was open to 100 participants aged 12 years and above, and aimed to help broaden the reach of beach sprint among the Chinese public.
Later this year, China will become the first country to have hosted the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals for a second time. The first world championships were held in Shenzhen in 2019, and the 2026 edition will be held in Qingdao. The country is also expected to be among the favorites when rowing’s newest discipline debuts at LA28, and although the fitness activity in Yangjiang is unlikely to impact team selection for those Olympic Games, such events may be critical if beach sprint remains in the Olympic program.