rowing is a sport in which athletes compete by racing other rowers, or teams of rowers, in boats propelled only by oars - it is considered one of the oldest competitive sports in the world. once used as a means of warfare, competitions took place to see who could row faster, thus gaining more glory.

in ancient egypt, rowing races often took place at funerals, and in 13th century venice, races were also common place.

modern rowing races began in england around the year 1715, when wealthy landowners would offer a reward to the fastest river taxi rowers - these events soon became very large, and crowds would come and bet on the races.