Valent Sinković has been elected to the World Rowing Athletes’ Commission, securing one of four flat-water rowing positions contested during the 2026 World Championships in Amsterdam.
The Croatian Olympic champion, who has also won world and European titles, was elected from 19 candidates. Every athlete competing at the Bosbaan could vote in person from Thursday 27 August until Saturday 29 August.
Sinković joins a 10-member commission for active rowers on national teams, including Under 19 and Under 23 athletes. The body advises World Rowing on matters affecting competitors and acts as a direct link between athletes and the sport’s governing organisation.
A Voice in World Rowing
The commission provides athlete input to the World Rowing Council and Executive Committee on competition rules, event regulations, athlete welfare and clean sport. It also surveys crews at major championships and reviews the organisation of World Rowing, Olympic and Paralympic regattas.
“The Athletes’ Commission is the athletes’ voice in our organisation at the highest level,” outgoing commission chair Frida Svensson said in World Rowing’s election announcement. “The AC election is an important opportunity for you to elect who you want to be representing you.”
Five commission members are elected by athletes and five are appointed following recommendations to the World Rowing Council. Four elected places cover flat-water rowing, including para-rowing, while a separate vote for the coastal representative will take place at the World Rowing Coastal Championships and Beach Sprint Finals in Qingdao, China, in October.
Commission elections are held every four years, midway through the Olympic cycle. Members must be active or recently retired athletes and may serve a full four-year term.
Racing and Representation
Sinković contested the Amsterdam championships alongside his brother Martin in the men’s double sculls. The Croatians returned to the boat class in 2026 after racing in the four, winning World Cup II before taking European bronze in Varese.
They recorded the fastest men’s double time on the opening day, although France pushed them through their heat before securing the second automatic qualifying place. Their championship challenge ended in the B-final after Serbia and Spain beat them to the qualifying positions in Wednesday’s semi-final.
The election gives Sinković a formal role beyond his own racing programme. His four-year commission term will cover athlete consultation, championship feedback and communication between World Rowing and the international rowing community.
