Commonwealth Games v Olympics: Which Matters More for Rowers?

For rowers, the Olympics is clearly the bigger prize. The Commonwealth Games has had a smaller, more occasional role. This page compares the two: what each is, how they differ for rowers, and what it means for athletes planning a career.

The Olympics

Rowing has been raced at the Olympics since 1900, with a full range of men’s and women’s events. It is the main goal of elite rowers, and winning a medal carries global recognition. Our page on why Olympic rowing matters looks at what that profile does for the wider sport. The programme is built around sculling events, where each rower has two oars, and sweep events, where each has one, normally over a 2,000 m course. Paris 2024 had 14 events, seven for each sex, spanning singles, doubles, quads, pairs, fours and eights, plus lightweight double sculls. Los Angeles 2028 will be different: 12 classic events raced over 1,500 m as a one-off because of the course, plus three beach sprint events, with lightweight events gone. Our look at emerging trends in Olympic rowing covers those programme changes. See the Olympic rowing hub.

The Commonwealth Games

The Games involve nations of the Commonwealth, so rowers from countries such as Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland and Wales compete. World Rowing records classic rowing at the Games from 1930 to 1962 and again in 1986, but it has not been a permanent sport, and host cities choose the programme. In recent years it has not featured, so if you are planning your racing calendar, check the next host’s sport list before assuming it will be there.

Key differences

Feature	Olympics	Commonwealth Games
Rowing on the programme	Every Games	Only if the host includes it
Nations	Worldwide	Commonwealth members only
Team name	Great Britain	England, Scotland and Wales separately
Events	Full range of boat classes	A smaller selection when held
Profile	Very high	Lower

• Size and prestige: The Olympics are bigger, with more nations and far greater attention.
• Nations: At the Commonwealth Games, England, Scotland and Wales compete separately, rather than as Great Britain.
• Regularity: The Olympic regatta is a fixed part of every Games. Commonwealth rowing depends on the host.
• Pathway: The World Rowing Championships and World Cups are the usual stepping stones to the Olympics.

Pros and cons for athletes

When rowing is on the programme at a Commonwealth Games, it offers a chance to race for a medal in a different setting, often with less depth of competition. It can be a valuable experience, although it does not carry the same profile. For athletes from smaller rowing nations, it can be a more realistic route to a major games. The downside is that it is unpredictable: a rower cannot build a career plan around an event that may not be held.

What it means for club rowers

You do not need to be an international to benefit from the same thinking. Club rowers have their own targets: head races, regattas, national championships and masters events. The same principles apply, with a clear season goal, a build-up and a taper. For a feel for the top end, see the secrets of Olympic rowing medallists.

Preparing for a big event

Whether Commonwealth Games or Olympics, the basics are the same:

1. Build an aerobic base with plenty of steady rowing.
2. Add intensity closer to the event, with race-pace pieces.
3. Practise pacing and race plans, so the day itself is familiar.
4. Prioritise sleep, food and recovery.
5. Prepare mentally, using routines that settle nerves.

See how to train like an Olympic rower and race nerves.