Short answers, pulled from the story.
The first known modern rowing races began in the 17th century on the muddy banks of the River Thames in London. These early competitions were gritty affairs where professional watermen wagered their livelihoods on speed. Prizes were offered by London Guilds and Livery Companies to the fastest ferry and taxi operators.
The oldest surviving race Doggett's Coat and Badge was first contested in 1715. It still runs annually from London Bridge to Chelsea as a testament to a tradition that has survived three centuries of industrial and social change. This race dates back to the early 18th century.
The first recorded intercollegiate race took place in 1829 between Oxford University and Cambridge University. This event known as The Boat Race was the second intercollegiate sporting event in history. It sparked the formation of the world's oldest public rowing club Leander Club founded in 1818.
Women's rowing was added to the Olympic programme in 1976. Rowing has been conducted at the Olympic Games since 1900 though it was cancelled at the first modern Games in 1896 due to bad weather. Today there are fourteen boat classes which race at the Olympics.
Starting with the 2028 Olympic games lightweight rowing will no longer have any events in the Olympics. Lightweight boat classes were added to the Olympics in 1996 for men and 1985 for women to encourage universality among nations. Coastal rowing is set to be introduced in 2028 ensuring the sport remains dynamic.