Since 1992, when Yekaterina Karsten first took part in the Olympics, much has happened

Since 1992, when Yekaterina Karsten first took part in the Olympics, much has happened. New athletes have been born, trained, married and had children. Meanwhile, she is still rowing and appears to have no plans to retire.


Yekaterina the Great — as journalists, fans and, even, her rivals name her — recently received her place at the 2016 Games, in her favourite singles event, of Academic Rowing. She finished in third position (with a time of 7 minutes and 25.94 seconds) behind New Zealand and Ireland, at the European Qualification Regatta, held in Lucerne. The forthcoming Games will be Yekaterina’s seventh.

Prior to the qualification regatta, our academic rowing team boasted four Olympic licenses: for men’s singles, for men’s four-oars without coxswain, for women’s two-oars without coxswain and for double sculls (none attached to particular sportsmen or women). At the last World Championship, Yekaterina joined Yulia Bichik in earning an Olympic license in double sculls, which is not her favourite event. Meanwhile, Karsten has won four out of five Olympic medals in her favourite singles event.

Yekaterina is eager to do well in the singles event, having come fifth at the 2012 Olympics, suffering a fractured rib. The twice-Olympic champion is on fine form at present, and is intent on making her mark.