As a former rower I find it kind of hard to believe that ancient rowers would beat modern ones. Knowledge of how the body works and the correct ways to train for rowing in my opinion would put modern rowers FAR above ancient ones. If we are using equipment available to the people at the time then modern rowers definitely win. Even adding the use of the legs in modern day rowing puts us head over heals above ancient rowers.
Abusive comment hidden.
(Show it anyway.)