Byrne and Mannix Won Silver in Qingdao
The Irish duo secured a second-place finish at the World Coastal Rowing Championships in China.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Other Sports
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Ronan Byrne and Kealan Mannix claimed the silver medal in the double event at the World Coastal Rowing Championships in Qingdao. They finished behind the American crew of Kory Rogers and Chris Bak, who took the gold.
Why it matters
The result highlights the continued competitive performance of Irish rowers on the international stage following their success at the European Coastal Championships.
In individual events, Kealan Mannix placed 4th and Ronan Byrne finished 6th in the men's solo final. Additionally, the Irish women's quadruple crew placed 6th and the mixed double crew finished 8th.
The players
Ronan Byrne
An elite rower representing the Defence Forces Rowing Club who has competed at the Olympic level.
Kealan Mannix
A competitive rower from Dunmanway RC who frequently partners with Byrne in international coastal events.
Kory Rogers
The American rower who finished in the gold medal position in the double event.
Chris Bak
The American athlete who partnered with Kory Rogers to win the double event final.
The details
The American pair of Kory Rogers and Chris Bak pulled ahead to secure the lead during the final match, which was held in windy conditions. French rowing crews rounded out the competition by taking both third and fourth place.
Timeline
Ronan Byrne previously earned a silver medal at the World Rowing Championships in 2019.
Byrne represented Ireland at the Olympic Games in 2021.
Byrne secured a gold medal at the World Coastal Championships in 2023.
Byrne and Mannix won gold at the European Coastal Championships in September 2026.
The pair captured silver at the World Championships on October 13, 2026.
Season Trajectory
Coastal rowing continues to gain momentum as the sport prepares for its upcoming inclusion in the 2028 Olympic Games. The success of international competitors in these championships provides an early look at the potential field for Beach Sprints in Los Angeles.
This podium finish contributes to the momentum of the Irish rowing program as they move into the off-season. The result confirms the duo's standing as top-tier contenders for future international regattas.
The takeaway
Competitive coastal rowing requires specialized skill in managing rough water conditions and unpredictable winds. Athletes looking to excel in this discipline must demonstrate extreme versatility across both solo and double race formats.
What happens next
Qingdao will host the upcoming World Championships in Beach Sprints this coming weekend.
Further reading
Learn more about elite competition results in the Other Sports section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Irish Independent.
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