Paralympic goal medalist Benjamin Pritchard has broken his own world record on the Concept2 ergometer over the distance of 2000m.

The reigning European, World and Paralympic Champion set a new PR1 World Record of 6:56.7 during testing at the National Training Centre in Caversham. His time beats his old record of 7:01.1 by 4.4 seconds.

“World records are visible to everyone,” Pritchard said of his achievement.

“But, the real victory is becoming the person willing to pursue an impossible goal long before anyone else believes in it.

“I’d like to extend a huge thank you to everyone for their support in this effort but also in the journey to LA2028. I’m incredibly grateful to have a wonderful family, great friends, understanding colleagues, and fantastic coaches who are always in my corner, helping me unlock as much speed as possible.”

Pritchard was named BBC Cymru Sports Personality of the Year for 2025, following a remarkable year in which he completed the full set of rowing titles, adding both the European and world crowns to his 2024 Paralympic gold medal.

“Ben didn’t just break a world record; he redefined what is possible in our sport,” added Paralympic Head Coach Nicola Benavente.

“This record isn’t a stroke of luck, it is the direct result of years of hard work. The entire GB Paralympic Rowing team is incredibly proud of him.

“Ben has set a new benchmark for rowers worldwide, and honestly, the most exciting part is knowing that he’s still got more left in the tank. Massive congratulations, Ben, you’ve earned every bit of this history.”

Pritchard’s new world record on the ergometer sits alongside his his world-best time on the water.

At last year’s European Rowing Championships, the Welshman from from Mumbles broke the world-best time twice in three days in Plovdiv, Bulgaria posting 8 minutes 47.88 seconds in the heats on 29 May before going even faster in the final two days later, clocking a staggering 8:40.38.

Up next for Pritchard is the World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam at the end of August, where he is looking to defend his PR1 men’s single sculls title.

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