Out LGBTQ+ rowers drive Team USA’s record-breaking world championship success

Team USA’s rowers delivered a standout performance at the World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam, with out LGBTQ athletes contributing to roughly one-third of the American medal total and setting new international standards for the sport.

At the center of this achievement was Teal Cohen, an openly gay rower who helped the U.S. women’s coxless four secure gold in a world-best time. Cohen, 27, from Texas, lined up with returning teammates Azja Czajkowski and Kaitlin Knifton, joined this year by Molly Bruggeman. The crew completed the 2,000-meter course in 6:09.87, surpassing the previous world record of 6:14.36 set by New Zealand on the same Bosbaan lake 12 years ago, OutSports reports.

Cohen added to her haul by teaming up with Czajkowski in the U.S. mixed eight, earning a bronze medal. The championships represented Team USA’s strongest World Championships showing since 2018 and provided a significant boost in confidence as preparations continue toward the Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2028. This comes after a difficult Paris Olympics, where U.S. rowing reached the podium in only two of 14 events, both in men’s categories.

Cohen has spoken openly about how living as an out gay athlete supports her performance and wellbeing within the team environment. Reflecting on last year’s world title, she emphasized the importance of authenticity in a high-performance setting where athletes spend nearly all their waking hours together. For Cohen, being able to present her full self in that environment provides the confidence and energy required at elite level.

Czajkowski has shared similar views on visibility in sport. Following her participation at Paris 2024, she discussed with Autostraddle how rowing introduced her to more LGBTQ people and visible role models. She highlighted the reassurance that comes from seeing other athletes who have come out, built families and sustained high-performing careers, which also supports acceptance among relatives and friends.

LGBTQ athletes from other nations featured prominently as well. Germany’s Tabea Schendekehl, who is pansexual, competed in two events. She won the B Final in the coxless pair with partner Louise Bachmann against a field that included the American duo of Salmons and Levy, and she also rowed in the German women’s eight.

Why this matters for the workplace

These results highlight a consistent message for employers and business leaders: environments where LGBTQ people can be open and respected often see stronger performance, collaboration and retention. Elite sport offers a visible example of how inclusion policies, supportive leadership and peer acceptance can help people bring their whole selves to high-pressure roles, with measurable results.

For organizations, this reinforces the value of explicit LGBTQ inclusion in policies, leadership training and talent strategy. Clear non-discrimination protections, visible LGBTQ role models, active employee resource groups and inclusive benefits all contribute to cultures where individuals feel safe to be themselves and perform at their best.

Business readers who want to advance LGBTQ inclusion in their own organizations can connect with a global network of inclusive employers and professionals by signing up for myGwork.

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