As host of Head of the Hooch, one of the world’s largest regattas, Chattanooga is known by many as a rowing hotspot. Fewer people, however, may know that Chattanooga also fosters a dynamic indoor rowing scene – and is home to two of the world’s leading competitors.
Indoor rowing is an international sport in which athletes compete using Concept2 rowing machines.
The World Rowing Indoor Championships take place in February, and, historically, the event has been hosted by a different country each year.
To qualify, typically, American rowers need to attend one of the 20 or so satellite regattas, held in various cities across the country, including one in Chattanooga. There, using the computerized rowing machines, contenders race side-by-side for the fastest times.
But this year, due to the pandemic, the satellite regattas were canceled. The world championships went virtual. For the first time, athletes could qualify and compete from anywhere. All they needed was a Concept2 rowing machine – and one of the top 10 fastest times in the world.