The Eight – the premier discipline in rowing, a myth. Rowing, and especially the Eight, has a long tradition that goes beyond just sport: Political influence, societal relationships, and women’s fight for equality also play a significant role. The documentary also accompanies the German Men’s Eight as they prepare for Paris 2024.

The rowing eight is considered a legend. It fascinates athletes, media, and spectators. Anyone who has sat in an eight or seen one feels the fascination: it’s about team spirit, synchronicity, the right technique, discipline, and strength. The boat is also called an 8+: eight rowers and a coxswain. At the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, the Eight is the premier class in rowing. Because rowing, and especially the Eight, has a long history and tradition that goes beyond just sport: Political influence, societal relationships, and the long-standing disadvantage of women play a significant role in the history of rowing. Ahead of the Olympic Games, this documentary looks at the history and myth of the Eight: its origins in Great Britain, its development in Europe, and women’s fight for their place in rowing. The film goes behind the scenes of the most traditional rowing regattas in Great Britain: the Oxford-Cambridge Race and the Henley Royal Regatta. Using archival footage, female rowing historians explain how the rowing euphoria spread from England to Germany and France. Female contemporary witnesses report on the beginnings of women’s rowing and the former ban on women competing. The documentary also tells the story of the German Eight from its inception to the present day. The film accompanies the German Men’s Eight during their rigorous preparations for the Olympic competitions in Paris.

Source: Excerpt from the program announcement on Arte

Air date: July 25, 2024, at 8:15 PM on Arte or in the media library

The Rowing Eight – History of a Myth – The Full Documentary | ARTE