Argentina - Argentina's rowing history was strongly influenced by modern European rowing that began in the 1800's. The earliest boats in Argentina were imported from England in 1856. Evidence dating from 1870 mentions the christening of the rowing boat Lalas; the first boat to race the distance between Tigre and Buenos Aires in an astonishing record time of 2 hours and 50 minutes. This event marked the beginning of a period of great popularity among rowing enthusiasts and the creation of rowing clubs in Argentina.

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Bulgaria - Although the history of rowing in Bulgaria can be traced back to the mid-seventh century, the sport became popular after the end of the 500-year period of Ottoman rule. In the late nineteenth century, rowing became part of the formal training of the Bulgarian Navy and the first rowing competition was held between students of the Naval Academy. This marked the beginning of competitive rowing in Bulgaria.

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Canada - Long before Canadians participated in the Olympics, Canada's professional scullers dominated the international scene. Ned Hanlan, World Champion in the single scull from 1880 to 1884, was a small sinewy man whose ability to out-perform many larger opponents gained admiration around the world. His coach, also a Canadian, developed the original sliding seat. A long list of prominent Canadian scullers followed Hanlan, including Jake Gaudaur and Lou Scholes.

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