Petaluma Rower Wins Four Golds at Masters Regatta
Eighty-two-year-old Colene Mace secured top honors across four events at the 2026 World Rowing Masters Regatta in Slovenia.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Swimming
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Petaluma resident Colene Mace earned four gold medals at the World Rowing Masters Regatta held in Bled, Slovenia, in September 2026. The 82-year-old athlete triumphed in the women's eight, women's four with coxswain, women's four without coxswain, and a doubles boat.
Why it matters
Mace's performance highlights the potential for sustained athletic excellence at an advanced age. Her success underscores the importance of technique and stamina in competitive rowing, even when faced with communication barriers with international teammates.
Colene Mace, age 82, secured 4 gold medals during the international competition. She boasts 40 years of total rowing experience since beginning her journey in the mid-1980s.
The players
Colene Mace
A Petaluma-based athlete who has been rowing competitively for four decades.
North Bay Rowing Club
A local rowing organization in Petaluma where Mace trains and manages facility maintenance.
The details
Mace, who has been a member of the North Bay Rowing Club since 1995, utilized hand signals to coordinate with teammates who did not speak English. She maintained a rigorous focus on rowing style, technique, and cardiovascular stamina to prepare for the regatta.
Timeline
Mace started her rowing career in the mid-1980s.
She joined the North Bay Rowing Club in 1995.
Mace competed in the World Rowing Masters Regatta in September 2026.
Season Trajectory
Mace's accomplishments shift the perception of age-group sports, proving that competitive rowing remains viable for athletes well into their eighties. Her success reinforces the standing of the North Bay Rowing Club as a center for high-level technical training.
Mace's four-medal haul illustrates that technical discipline and consistent training at the Petaluma River remain the primary drivers of success in the sport. Local rowers can look to her focus on hand signals and stamina as a practical blueprint for overcoming communication hurdles with international crews.
The takeaway
Mace's career proves that long-term commitment to technique can lead to international success later in life. Aspiring athletes should prioritize mastering fundamental rowing styles to maintain performance consistency over several decades.
Further reading
For more on local aquatic athletic achievements, visit the Swimming section.
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