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WR Level 2 Performance Coach Course Strengthens Coaching Capacity in Africa

World Rowing successfully delivered a Level 2 Performance Coach Course in Tunis, Tunisia, from 3 to 10 January 2026.

Building on the learning and safe practice developed at Level 1, this course aims to develop coaches understanding of elite rowing performance and provide them with the knowledge and skills to prepare and support athletes for competition on the world stage. This opportunity mostly welcomed French speaking coaches from across North, West, and East Africa for an intensive week of learning, collaboration, and hands‑on development. Hosted by the Tunisian Rowing Federation and Tunisian Olympic Committee with the valuable support of Olympic Solidarity, the course forms part of World Rowing’s ongoing commitment to strengthening coaching pathways and supporting the growth and excellence of Rowing worldwide.

The course was delivered by a team of high‑level World Rowing educators, each bringing specialist expertise aligned with the new WR Level 2 Performance Coach curriculum. Led in person by Mark Homer and Sarah Harris assisted by Fayçal Soula, Sahbi Khardani and Sports Medicine Commission member Donya Kouba, other prominent experts such as Gianni Postiglione, Rosie Mayglothling, Conny Draper, Zoltan Alfoldi and Inas Hussein delivered online guided sessions. Across eight intensive days, the expert team led sessions covering athlete wellbeing, coaching and physical. Their combined experience ensured that participants were introduced to the full depth of the new Level 2 syllabus, exploring the following modules: safety & risk management, mental health, preventing injuries and illness, working with athletes, performance physiology, equipment, technique, biomechanics, race strategy, talent identification, team management, self development, endurance physiology, strength training, Nutrition and hydration and working with female athletes.

The 2026 edition of the course, pionerred the introduction of the new WR L2 course in Africa and underscored the momentum of African Rowing, with active participation from both emerging and established federations. The presence of coaches from Benin and Togo highlighted the rapid expansion of rowing in West Africa, while Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia continued to demonstrate strong commitment to high‑performance development in the region. Uganda’s participation with WISH participant Batenga Nakisozi, further strengthened East Africa’s growing presence in the sport.

World Rowing extends its gratitude to the Tunisian Rowing Federation for hosting the course and for providing high‑quality facilities that contributed to an excellent learning environment.

This group of trainee coaches return to their home federations with a mission to complete their L2 portfolio up to end of May leading to formal certification. They bring with them enhanced skills, renewed motivation, and a shared commitment to elevating rowing across the African continent. Their expertise will contribute directly to athlete development pipelines, regional competitions, and long‑term performance programmes.

World Rowing remains committed to expanding coaching education opportunities worldwide and supporting the next generation of Rowing leaders.