World Rowing Championships: Day Four

The president of the World Rowing Federation, better known as as FISA, said Wednesday that Nathan Benderson Park is proving to be an "amazing" environment and facility for the 2017 World Rowing Championships.

“We’re very satisfied on how the rowing championships have been going,” said FISA President Jean-Christophe Rolland during a media round-table discussion today at Benderson Park. “The teams seem very happy with it.”

The championships kicked off Sept. 23 with opening ceremonies and rowing competition beginning Sept. 24. FISA officials are expected to comment about the overall championships in Sarasota after the event concludes Oct. 1.

Rolland said FISA officials were relieved when they learned Hurricane Irma had passed over the area and the venue would still be able to host the championships, both because it meant residents here were OK and because the rowing championships could still be held.

“There is no Plan B two weeks before a world championship,” he said.

And although the threat of hurricanes remains a concern in the future, Irma did not scare FISA indefinitely. Rolland said FISA must vary its venues to ensure fairness and good participation from as many countries as possible, but Sarasota is on its radar for future events.

“We are really looking for future opportunities to come back,” he said.