From the Schuylkill River to the world stage, a pair of Tigers are representing the United States at the 2026 World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam.
James Wright ’18 (pictured below in the fourth seat from the left known as the bow seat), a GFS alumnus and former Tiger rower, is competing in the bow seat of the United States Men’s Quadruple Sculls (M4x). Wright and his U.S. teammates opened their World Championships campaign with a victory in their heat, finishing 0.77 seconds ahead of the Netherlands to secure a spot in the semifinals.
Photo credit: Row2k
The strong opening performance puts the American crew one step closer to the championship final and continues Wright’s journey from rowing at GFS to competing at the highest level of the sport.
Joining Wright in Amsterdam is a familiar face to current GFS rowers: GFS Crew Coach Claire Friedlander, who is competing for Team USA in the lightweight women’s single sculls.
Friedlander earned her place in the semifinals with a second-place finish in her opening heat. The Philadelphia native crossed the line in 8:52.65, finishing behind Mexico’s entry while doing enough to advance to the next round.
Photo credit: Row2k
For Friedlander, Amsterdam marks a return to international competition in the red, white, and blue. She last represented the United States at the 2022 World Rowing U23 Championships, where she helped the U.S. lightweight women’s quadruple sculls to a fourth-place finish.
Now competing individually, Friedlander raced again Wednesday morning and earned a place in the World Championship finals this Thursday.
Having both an alumnus and a current coach competing at the World Championships provides a unique connection between GFS Crew and the highest levels of international rowing. For current Tigers, Wright and Friedlander offer two examples of where a commitment to the sport can lead.
Their appearances in Amsterdam also come after another strong year for GFS Crew, which saw Tigers compete and medal at the City Championships, Stotesbury Cup Regatta, SRAA Nationals, and USRowing Youth National Championships during the spring.
As racing continues in Amsterdam, the GFS community will have plenty to cheer for. Wright and the U.S. Men’s Quad will look to carry the momentum from their heat victory into the semifinals, while Friedlander has already qualified for the finals in her event at the end of this week.
Two Tigers. Two Team USA boats. One world stage.