Champion para rower to compete at Dogwood Juniors in Oak Ridge

Lilian Rodriguez of Dayton, Ohio, a three-time national champion in the women’s PR2 1x (single) event, will be competing in the Dogwood Junior Championship Regatta in Oak Ridge this weekend, April 24-26. Her first race will be Friday at around 4:30 p.m.

Rodriguez, a senior at Oakwood High School in Dayton, rows with Gem City Crew in Miamisburg, Ohio, where she is coached by Alex Walters. PR2 is the paralympic classification of those who have trunk and arm movement but are unable to use their legs to propel the sliding seat of a rowing shell. Lili was born with a rare condition called arthrogryposis that causes joint contractures. She uses arm crutches and leg braces for mobility support, according to a news release from the Oak Ridge Rowing Association.

In 2025, Rodriguez also placed fourth in the USRowing Nationals Women’s Inclusive 2X (double) event with her Gem City teammate Kyra Snow of Centerville, Ohio.

Rodriguez, who holds 18 indoor world records, will attend and row for Marietta College in the fall.

The Dogwood regatta showcases the nation’s best high school and club rowers, offering a competitive pathway to national and collegiate-level racing.

Lili Rodriguez's senior photo this year.

Lili Rodriguez at this year's youth national.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Champion para rower Lili Rodriguez to compete at Oak Ridge regatta