Record Breaking World Indoor Rowing Results

Rowing WA member Sharon Anne Jones (Curtin University Boat Club) has again, added 'world record holder' to her impressive rowing résumé, breaking her own 1-minute sprint record at the World Rowing Virtual Indoor Rowing Championships.

Competing on Saturday 28 February from her home office–turned indoor rowing gym, Sharon delivered an outstanding performance in the 1-minute sprint, covering 318 metres in the 65–69 age category. The result eclipsed her previous world record of 314 metres, which she had set earlier this year.

Reflecting on the effort, Sharon said, “I surprised myself, dropped the stroke rate and concentrated on power — and it worked!”

Sharon also competed in the 1000m event, where she finished third in her final with a time of 3:56.2, capping off a highly successful championship campaign.

Another emerging Western Australian athlete, Cooper Cross (Trinity College), also represented the state strongly at the championships. Cooper placed fourth in the 1-minute sprint with a distance of 349 metres, and finished seventh in the 1000m, recording a time of 3:13.2.

The World Rowing Virtual Indoor Rowing Championships is a global competition that allows athletes to race from anywhere in the world using Concept2 rowing machines. Held across two weekends, the event features multiple age and performance categories. The 2026 championships introduced three new race distances — the 1-minute sprint, 1000m, and 5000m — broadening opportunities for athletes of all backgrounds to compete on the world stage.

Rowing WA congratulates Sharon and Cooper on their outstanding achievements and thanks them for inspiring our rowing community through their dedication, performance and commitment to excellence.