The surf was up, and the stakes were higher than ever at East Beach in New Bedford, Massachusetts.On August 8 and 9, the 2026 USRowing Beach Sprint Trials delivered raw adrenaline, as athletes battled through breaking waves, dead sprints across the sand, and fierce competition.The Spid Werkz Foundation is incredibly proud to celebrate the grit, camaraderie, and high performance of our athletes who threw down on the national stage.
Here is a look at how our Spid athletes performed in the surf:
Annabelle Miller Punches Her Ticket to China!
Spid Werkz athlete Annabelle Miller, affectionately known as the “Annaspid Thriller”, brought the heat and secured her spot for the World Rowing Championships in China.
Racing in the highly dynamic Inclusion PR3 Mixed Double Sculls (PR3 CMix2x) alongside Justin Stevens, Miller clinched a hard-fought victory to earn her place on the National Team.After helping lead the U.S. PR3 Mixed Four to a silver medal at the 2025 World Cup in Varese and competing at the 2025 World Championships, Annabelle continues to dominate the sport.Her victory in New Bedford is a massive milestone in her coastal rowing campaign and her ongoing journey toward the 2028 Paralympic Games.
John Olbrys Brings Seasoned Expertise to the Sand
Spid Werkz Foundation Board Member and Athlete Representative John Olbrys showcased exactly why he is a powerhouse in coastal rowing.
A bronze medalist at the 2021 World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals, John pulled double duty over the weekend. In a true showcase of Spid camaraderie and competitive fire, John raced against Annabelle in the Inclusion PR3 Mixed Double.Partnering with Elise Hill, John put down an incredibly aggressive race, finishing second just behind Miller and Stevens.In addition to his silver-finish in the double, John also brought his veteran surf-zone boat handling to the fiercely competitive Mixed Quad (CMix4x+).
Keep It Spid
The Spid lifestyle is defined by sportsmanship, dedication, and community.Annabelle and John embodied these values perfectly as they pushed each other to the limit while navigating the brutal and fast-paced conditions of coastal racing.
We are immensely proud to support these elite athletes. To follow Annabelle’s high-performance journey to the World Championships and to support the complete Spid Werkz roster, check out our athletes and get involved with the foundation today. May the Spid be with you all!