Dylan Dragswiek of Maple Hill, medaled for the second year in a row at the World Rowing Indoor Championships, held in Missassauga Toronto, Canada this past weekend. 

Dragswiek is a newcomer to the sport, having only started competitive indoor rowing in January of 2021. He made it a goal of reaching the international stage within just 12 months; surprising the field of competitors by qualifying for the 2022 championships.

During the 2022 competition, which was held virtually, he joined a field of 736 competitors from around the world across many divisions - including rowers from Thailand, Germany, and the UK (via his rowing machine which connects virtually). 

On the day of the competition, Dragswiek's friends and family gathered to cheer him on in his living room, and the excitement reached a fever pitch as the 2,000M race began. Dragswiek was featured prominently in the race as he powered through the first half, moving from his 5th place start into 3rd, just 700M into the race.

“It was incredible seeing him surge into third place so early in the race,” shared Dragswiek’s friend, David Leng.

Dragswiek collapsed after crossing the finish line, completely exhausted from the effort that had earned him a podium spot on the world stage. 

The sensational finish was the buzz of the indoor rowing community, which earned him a prime interview spot during the global broadcast while surrounded by his cheering supporters.

This year, Dragswiek was able to attend the two day event in person to try and defend his position as a part of an elite field.

The 2,000M race proved to be a challenging field this year, with Dragswiek battling many competitors and trading positions several times. In the final 500M, he was able to move from 8th place to 6th, with just one and half seconds separating the 4th place through 8th place positions.

“Racing live in person for the first time was a bit intimidating, and looking around at the other entrants added to that.” Dragswiek said after the race.

“I knew that I just needed to follow my race plan and keep pace. I slowed a little in the middle but had plenty in the tank for the last 500M and was able to creep up into 6th place.”

The following day Dragswiek raced in the 500M sprint that he described as being “pure speed and power”. Dragswiek was mentioned in the broadcast as a “strong puller to keep your eye on.” 

In the first few seconds of the race, Dragswiek leapt into third place and held the position throughout. He was able to set a personal best, and medaled in a field of some of the best rowers in the world.

The 2000M and 500M sprint were the only two races Dragswiek entered for the 2023 championships, but the day took an unexpected turn when the current 500M world record holder had to withdraw for medical reasons from the 4x500M relay. Dragswiek was asked to fill the spot.

“The team had high expectations,” Dragswiek said, “and after a bit of practice to understand the order and roles in a rowing relay, we felt good.” 

Dragswiek rowed first for the team - setting a blistering pace - which the team was able to hold throughout the entire race. This lead gave Dragswiek another trip to the podium, this time for silver.

With three medals now around his neck, Dragswiek sets his sights on the 2024 championships in Prague.

A homecoming celebration will be held this Thursday at Voyageur Brewing starting at 8pm.