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Anthropometry and Rowing

There are several main physiological attributes that are important for success in rowing, such as anaerobic and aerobic fitness. In addition, physical body size and composition is also important in the success of a rower. Generally rowers require a low body fat level and being tall with a good reach.



Long levers of the arms and legs is important to obtain maximum propulsion. Athletes with an arm span greater than their height indicate greater lever length. Low body fat improves power to weight ratio.

Athletes struggling to keep within their weight category need to have their body composition monitored regularly.

Anthropometric Fitness Tests: Height, Sitting Height, Arm Span, Body mass and Skinfolds.

Anthropometry and Olympic Athletes

London 2012 Olympic Games

Here is some information from the analysis of the anthropometric data (height, weight and age) from the rowing participants at the London 2012 Olympic Games. The rowers were on average much taller and heavier than the average Olympian.

Sport Age Height (cm) Weight (kg) BMI
OVERALL AVERAGE (all sports) 26.1 176.9 72.8 23.3
Rowing (all) 27.2 185.6 80.9 23.3
Rowing (females) 26.7 177.8 69.9 22.0
Rowing (males) 27.4 189.9 87.0 24.0
sweep rowingsweep rowers in training

Rio 2016 Olympic Games

Here is average data from the analysis of the anthropometric data of the rowers at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

  Age (years) height (m) weight (kg) BMI
AVERAGE (all sports) 26.8 1.77 72.0 22.9
rowing (all) 27.4 1.85 79.9 23.2
rowing (females) 27.1 1.77 69.8 22.1
rowing (males) 27.6 1.90 86.5 23.9


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