South African rowers of color become first to compete at Charles, part of larger trend toward access
October 19, 2025
Five athletes are becoming the first from South Africa to compete in the prestigious Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston as part of a crew comprised of all people of color. The event is part of a multinational effort to expand access to one of the most exclusive, elite sports. In recent years, diversity initiatives have expanded in rowing. The first all-Black women’s 8+ from the U.S. competed at the Charles in 2022. Lwazi-Tsebo Zwane, a 23—year-old from Germiston, South Africa, said he and his boatmates feel very aware of the fact that they are role models for younger rowers.