Have any question? US Office +1 (816) 6162298 Main Campus +39 0697625083 info@romecityinstitute.com
Have any question? US Office +1 (816) 6162298 Main Campus +39 0697625083 info@romecityinstitute.com
Rowing in Italy represents discipline, tradition, and international competitiveness.
Through Rome City Institute’s partnership with Circolo Ondina, our student-athletes train directly on the historic Tiber River within a structured program aligned with the Federazione Italiana Canottaggio (FIC).
The program combines academic excellence with high-performance rowing, integrating on-water technical sessions and structured strength and conditioning. This professional environment allows athletes to develop within Italy’s nationally recognized rowing system while studying in Rome.
Competition is an essential component of development in Italian rowing. Athletes in the program compete in official events organized by the Federazione Italiana Canottaggio (FIC), gaining experience in both endurance and sprint formats.
The Italian season follows a structured annual calendar:
• Autumn–Winter focuses on endurance circuits and long-distance regattas.
• Spring–Summer represents the main regatta season, including national and regional championships.
• Late Summer–Autumn includes club regattas and coastal rowing events
This comprehensive competition pathway allows athletes to build stamina, refine race strategy, and compete across multiple boat classes and race formats within Italy’s vibrant rowing system
The Rome City Institute Rowing Program operates under the technical direction of Raffaello Leonardo, Olympic medalist and one of Italy’s most respected rowing professionals. A bronze medalist at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games in the coxless four (4-), Leonardo has represented Italy at multiple Olympic Games and remains a key figure in Italian rowing both as an athlete and technical leader.
Training includes three on-water sessions per week at Circolo Ondina and two strength and conditioning sessions with the RCI Performance Department. Athletes benefit not only from high-level technical guidance but also from the visibility and credibility that come from working with a nationally recognized Olympic figure. His presence elevates the program’s profile and provides student-athletes with mentorship rooted in elite international experience.
Head Coach: Raffaello Leonardo – rowing@romecityinstitute.com
Circolo Ondina, located on the Tiber River in Rome, just a few steps away from our main campus, provides a unique and historic training setting at the heart of Italian rowing culture.
Training directly on the river offers athletes daily exposure to real racing conditions, technical boat handling, and endurance development. The club is an active participant in the Italian rowing circuit, allowing our student-athletes to train in a competitive and authentic rowing environment while experiencing life in one of the world’s most iconic cities.
Are you ready to become a Rome City Lion?
At Rome City we are looking for students who are willing to think outside the box and prepare themself for a professional journey in a rapidly changing world.
