Three Badger rowers open Olympic competition | Wisconsin Badgers

- Men's Sports
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Football
- Golf
- Hockey
- Rowing
- Soccer
- Swimming & Diving
- Tennis
- Track & Field
- Wrestling
- Women's Sports
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Golf
- Hockey
- Lightweight Rowing
- Rowing
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming & Diving
- Tennis
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
- Buy Now
- Buy Now
- Buy Now
- Buy Now
- Buy Now
- Buy Now
- Buy Now
- Buy Now
- Buy Now
- Buy Now
- Stay Connected
- Badgers App
- Badgers Sports Report
- Big Ten Network
- Email Updates
- Radio Broadcasts
- RSS Feeds
- Social Media
- Videos
- For Kids & Families
- Camps
- Tours
- Bucky's Buddies
- For Students
- AreaRED
- Special Events
- Crazylegs Classic Race/Walk
- Concerts & Special Events
- Wedding/Special Event Photos
- Our Stories
- Andy Baggot
- My Words
- Forging Firsts
- Facilities
- All Facilities
- Campus Map
- University Ridge
- Quick Links
- Chris McIntosh, Director of Athletics
- Mission Statement
- Staff Directory
- Athletic Department
- Administration
- Athletic Board
- BIOS
- Brand Communications
- Business Reports
- Compliance
- Guest Services
- Hospitality/Food & Beverage
- Policies & Procedures
- Spirit Squad
- History
- Hall of Fame
- History & Traditions
- W Club
- News Archives
- Work For The Badgers
- Employment
Shop

Sophia Vitas at the 2024 Olympics

Photo: Sophia Vitas (left)

Photo by: Getty Images

Three Badger rowers open Olympic competition

July 27, 2024 | Women's Rowing, Lightweight Rowing

Vitas advances to semis, O’Connor and Joyce to repechage

PARIS – The Olympics got underway for three of Wisconsin's four women's rowers on the first full day of competition early Saturday morning at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium.

Sophia Vitas became the first to compete and the first to advance to semifinal action when her women's double sculls took third in their heat. She rows with Kristi Wagner.

The American crew clocked 6:56.47 over 2000 meters, finishing behind heat winner New Zealand (6:51.68) and Great Britain (6:52.31).

In the women's quadruple sculls, Badgers Lauren O'Connor and Grace Joyce officially became Olympians with a fourth-place finish in their heat. Great Britain advanced to the final and won in 6:13.35, while Germany placed second in 6:15.28 to grab the second direct finals qualifying spot.

The U.S. will take on China, Switzerland, Romania and Australia in the repechage on Monday. The top two advance the A Final on Aug. 1.

UW's fourth women's rowing Olympian opens her action with her women's eight heat on Monday.

Lightweight fours at Head of the Charles

Badger lightweights continue fall season at Head of the Charles

Sunday, October 19

Head of the Charles Championship Four

Badger openweights race at 2025 Head of the Charles

Sunday, October 19

2024 Head of the Charles

F(oar) things to know: Lightweights set for Head of the Charles

Friday, October 17

Women's rowing races on Lake Mendora

Women’s rowing kicks off fall racing at Milwaukee River Challenge

Saturday, October 04

Raceday Highlights || Eastern Michigan

Saturday, October 25

Macy Mosner - Ball of Sunshine

Tuesday, May 14

Vicky Opitz Media Conference || Wisconsin Women's Rowing || May 6, 2024

Monday, May 06

Vicky Opitz Season Preview

Thursday, March 14

University of Wisconsin

© 2025 Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System All rights reserved worldwide / University of Wisconsin-Madison Privacy Policy / Privacy Policy / Terms of Service Feedback, questions or accessibility issues: / contactus@uwbadgers.com / NCAA Infractions Case

Big Ten Plus