Taryn Smith Becomes First American Woman To Win The World’s Toughest Row Atlantic
Language
Reading Level
Listen to Article
Alignment
Taryn Smith has made history as the first American woman to win the women's solo category of the World's Toughest Row Atlantic. The 25-year-old finished the race in 46 days, 3 hours, and 37 minutes, arriving in Antigua on January 29, 2026. Smith's achievement is even more remarkable considering she had never rowed competitively before.
Now in its 28th year, the World's Toughest Row Atlantic is one of the most challenging and prestigious ocean rowing events. The race requires competitors to row about 3,000 miles (4,800 km) across the Atlantic Ocean from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean. Each year, about 20 to 40 boats take part. Some competitors row alone, while others row in teams of two to five people. Rowers carry about 85 days' worth of food, safety gear, a manual water maker, and equipment to stay in contact with a support team on land.
Smith first heard about the race after reading an article about a women's rowing team that set a world record in 2022. Despite having no experience in rowing, she decided to take up the challenge — solo. To prepare for the extreme demands of the race, Smith spent three years in the United Kingdom developing both her technical and physical skills. She learned how to navigate across the ocean, read and interpret weather patterns, and use radios to communicate while at sea. To build her stamina, she worked out at the gym and practiced rowing in the ocean. Several weeks before the race began, Smith moved into her 24-foot (7.3 m) rowboat to get used to life at sea.
On December 14, 2025, the 25-year-old set sail from La Gomera alongside 42 other boats. Some were rowed solo, while others had teams. Smith rowed about 10 to 12 hours a day. She spent the rest of her time maintaining the boat, checking her navigation instruments, and preparing meals.
The journey was far from easy. Sleep was difficult, and severe storms, towering waves, relentless rain, as well as extreme heat, added to the challenge. Yet, for Smith, the hardest part was being completely alone on the open water. Fortunately, she had the support of more than 600,000 fans on social media, who followed her daily updates and videos. Their encouragement gave her the strength to keep going through some of the toughest days.
Smith's hard work and determination paid off in a historic triumph as she rowed into Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua on January 29, 2026. Along the way, she raised over $40,000 for Girls on the Run, a nonprofit that helps girls build confidence and stay active. Smith hopes her achievement will inspire others to take on big challenges, even when they seem impossible.
Resources: nebraskapublicmedia.org, worldstoughestrow.com, 4wornpassports.com
Get the Workbook for this article!
Workbook contains: Article, Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking Questions, Vocabulary in Context (+ answers), Multiple Choice Quiz (+ answers), Parts of Speech Quiz (+ answers), Vocabulary Game (+ answers)Cite Article
Learn Keywords in this Article
15 Comments
vifyzybuvyweabout 5 hoursI know so cool
chocalatehairabout 8 hoursthats crazy that she did that, especially in that weather!!- kowusopiputuabout 8 hours3,000 miles, wow
pesevuriviwuabout 10 hourswow
dufyhacybihy1 dayWow, that is truly so impressive.
alexmorgan131 dayTwo words NO WAY!
gonrookking1 dayThe harsh weather has been here and she did that!?
wizardwithahat3 daysOne word WOW
zoeyc2 daysWOW is definitely the best word to describe her
- sheraaaaa3 daysthat was probably really scary since there were severe storms and stuff! i am impressed
gimkitlover3 daysCool!
