Weston native wins bronze at World Rowing Championship

In August, Weston native Kristi Wagner departed for Amsterdam, joined by her 1-year old daughter and her parents. When she returned to American soil, her luggage was a little heavier. 

Wagner left the Netherlands with a bronze medal from the 2026 World Rowing Championships. Representing the United States, Wagner and three of her teammates finished third in the women’s quadruple sculls race with a time of just over six minutes and 10 seconds. Wagner and her team finished just two seconds behind the gold medalist Dutch boat. 

“It was the first time the women’s quad-medaled in 10 years, which is really exciting,” said Wagner. “The whole team performed really well. It was a special thing to be a part of, and it took a lot of hard work in practice.”

Wagner said having the opportunity to represent the country in worldwide competitions like the World Championships and the Olympics is an amazing feeling, and is always a little bit nerveracking. 

“I’m in the second half of my career, and I definitely don’t take any of it for granted,” said Wagner. “We always try to make the most of it.”

Wagner competed in the last two summer Olympic Games, held in 2021 and 2024. She previously won a bronze medal at the World Rowing Championships in 2023, but in a two-person boat. 

“We didn’t perform our best at the last Olympics,” said Wagner. “Our coaches have done a really great job, and both coaches and athletes have worked hard to find our weaknesses and make improvements.”

On the boat, Wagner was positioned closest to the bow, giving her some additional responsibilities along with the rowing of the boat. She served as the eyes of the crew, often turning around to ensure the boat was going in the direction it needed to go.

Hand-in-hand with helping guide the boat, Wagner’s boat position meant she is also the main communicator.

“I do the talking,” said Wagner. “People can hear me, but not sound coming from the stern because of the wind.”

After advancing through the first heat and blazing through the semifinals, Wagner and her teammates, Evan Park, Sophia Vitas and Emily Kallfelz, finished eight seconds faster than the fourth-place Australian team to secure bronze. 

On land, being with family made the trip to Amsterdam enjoyable for Wagner because she doesn’t usually have as much company on her rowing trips. 

“We’re usually sequestered in the team hotel,” said Wagner. “Having them here with me made it more fun.”

Wagner first got her start in the sport of rowing for the Wayland-Weston Rowing Association. Her parents still live in Weston today.

“It’s where I learned to row,” Wagner said of her hometown. “I’ve always been very glad I had that experience. One of the first things I loved about the sport was the community. It let me learn lessons in a safe environment – a smaller pond.” 

Wagner said her favorite part about rowing in high school was chasing the same goal with a group of friends, and getting to spend a lot of time together while doing so.

“It really is a great sport and it’s awesome I’ve been able to do it at this level,” said Wagner.