The OAR Youth team is headed to the 2026 USRowing Youth National Championships in Sarasota, Florida, June 11–14 — and we couldn’t be more excited to represent the Olympia area on the national stage! Our athletes have spent the entire year training through long practices, tough races, and countless hours - on erg and water - to earn this opportunity to compete against the best youth teams in the country.

This isn't just the success of 12 individuals. Each of their teammate at OAR had a hand in getting these boats to where they are now through their commitment and hard work the water and in the erg room. This is a true team success!

Your contribution will help the team pay for coaching, entry fees and other associated costs of participation. Leftover funds will go towards the overall support of Youth Rowing at OAR!

This year's OAR Nationals Athletes

In addition to being committed athletes, these young rowers exhibit leadership and commitment to the club and community. You'll find OAR youth active in club fundraising (Dock and Steiger Fund campaigns), Learn to Row sessions, and at community events like the Wooden Boat Festival! We have musicians, bakers, and even a blacksmith among our teammates! Here are your 2026 OAR Youth Nationals Athletes...

Womens U17 4x (Anabel Liberty, Matilda O'Donnell, Phoebe Nash, and Tabi Winter)

Following a surprise 3rd place finish in the Time Trial, these four proved it was no fluke by following it up with a strong A Final performance, placing fourth and punching their ticket to Nationals. This didn't come without adversity - lightning delays caused not just one but two out-and-back trips to the starting line. Third time proved to be the charm!

Men's U17 4x (Hayden Webb, Jackson Robinson, Greg Pederson, and Oscar Smith)
*pictured with coaches Kathryn and Lydia

These guys put in a solid 2nd place finish in the Time Trial, advancing to the A final and earning their silver medal after also persevering through the the same lightning delays. This will be OAR's second year in a row sending a Mens Youth U17 4x to Sarasota. Last year's quad fared well with a solid A final finish. This year's crew is looking forward to building on that success!

Womens Youth 2x (Jo Gjertsen, Mikhaila Leo)

This is a first time Nationals qualifier for Mikhaila, one of our graduating seniors. Jo has represented OAR in a 2x in Sarasota the past 2 years. This duo came out of the time trial with a 6th place finish, and improved their standing in the Sunday A final, qualifying for Nationals with a 4th place finish barely missing the Bronze medal by just 0.11 seconds.

Image 2 of 2 shared by Natalya Rubel

Mens U17 2x (Johnny Diamond, Cam Piazza)

This young power duo rowed their U16 double to a commanding first place finish (OAR's first Regionals Gold since 2023!) After that warm-up row, they entered the U17 race, making it into the A final. Sitting well positioned for a podium finish going into the last 200, Cam's oar snapped unexpectedly, bringing the boat to a halt. They managed to finish the race but did not make the qualifying top 4. USRowing allowed the 2x to go on to Nationals after a successful petition. We call that a "Lucky Break" (pun intended.)

Mens Youth 2- (Silas Wilson, Alden Starks)

Silas and Alden are returning to Sarasota for a second year with a roll-up bid after a 5th place finish in this year's Regionals. Last year they had success racing in the A finals as part of the U17 Mens 4x. They are looking forward to putting in another strong showing at Nathan Benderson Park this June.

2026 Youth Nationals Fundraiser

Help Send our rowers to Sarasota!

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