Maistrenko and Macchi to Represent their Home Countries at World U23 Championships

PULLMAN, Wash. – The Washington State rowing team will have two of its current rowers represent their home countries at the World Rowing U23 Championship. Senior Kateryna Maistrenko will row for Ukraine and freshman Ilaria Macchi will compete for Slovenia at the upcoming world championship regatta in Racice, Czech Republic.

Maistrenko will race with the varsity four for Ukraine, while Macchi will row in the single scull for her native Slovenia. The World Rowing U23 Championship begins July 7 and runs through July 11.

This will be the second time that Maistrenko will represent Ukraine at the World Rowing Championships, as she competed in the double scull for Ukraine at the Junior World Championship back in 2017. She recently helped her home country finish first in the varsity four and varsity eight at the U23 nationals, then finish second in the varsity eight and third in the varsity four at senior nationals.

"I know it's big responsibility to represent your national team at World Rowing Championship," Maistrenko expressed. "Every race is equally important to me, so every stoke counts. The ability to overcome yourself is, without a doubt, the most valuable property of sports."

Macchi has raced in several big regattas across Europe this year to prepare for the World Rowing Championships, including the International Regatta in Zagreb, Croatia, the Munich International Regatta in Germany and the European Junior Championships in France. 

"The race is very important for me, because I will be competing at a World Rowing Championship event after missing the last one three years ago due to a back injury," said Macchi. "I have to thank Cassie Hodgin and the Washington State athletic training staff for all the hard work and support during my freshman year to help me get here."

The World Rowing Under 23 Championships is the premier event of the year for under-23 rowers and attracts up to 1,000 rowers from around the world with 22 men's and women's boat classes. For more information on the event click here.

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