Over the weekend Peloton Row Instructor Alex Karwoski put his rowing skills to the test at the highly anticipated Head Of The Charles Regatta held in Massachusetts. In a thrilling display of athleticism, Alex secured second place while competing in a new lineup that came together seamlessly (and a little bit last minute!).

A Smooth Team Transition

According to reports, the team’s new lineup, which consisted of several alterations, came together on Friday with Alex possibly not initially planning to join the competition.  The original team, Alex Hedge and Ezra Carlson, was slated to compete at the Pan Ams this weekend, leaving their spots open. Nick Mead from the USRowing Four team and Alex Karwoski stepped in with coxswain Jimmy Catalano saying the group “just took ownership over what they were doing.”

Olympian Results

Alex Karwoski, of course, is no stranger to representing the United States in worldwide rowing competitions. He participated in the Rio Olympics in 2016, finishing in fourth place. More recently, he served as an alternate for the 2020 Olympic team in Tokyo (delayed one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic). In 2019, he received the USRowing Male Athlete of the Year award and was part of the USRowing Senior National team in 2022.

The Rich History Of The Head Of The Charles Regatta

The Head Of The Charles Regatta is renowned for attracting tens of thousands of athletes and spectators from around the world. First established in 1965, founders and Cambridge Boat Club members created the event after the suggestion of Harvard University sculling instructor Ernest Arlett. The Regatta comprised a “head of the river” race concept similar to traditional contests in England. Since then, the much-awaited event has evolved, and now boasts more than 11,000 participants, competing in 55 different race events over a two-day period.

Thrilling Action On The Charles River

The regatta’s unique three-mile upstream race, which is full of bends and bridges, makes for an exciting spectacle. Competitors face not only their fellow athletes but also against themselves as they race against the clock, which starts around fifteen seconds apart. Winners are declared “Head of the River.” Now, Alex Karwoski can add his name to the list.

As the world’s largest two-day rowing event held in Massachusetts, the Head Of The Charles Regatta has drawn boat clubs, colleges, universities, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), and 1,700 hardworking volunteers over the years. It has become a significant event celebrated worldwide for its focus on athletics, sportsmanship, and camaraderie.

Congratulations, Alex!

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