Sport for stern-looking athletes (6)

I believe the answer is:

rowing

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'sport' is the definition.
(I know that rowing is a type of sport)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for rowing that I've seen before include "Olympic event" , "Aquatic sport" , "Steven Redgrave's sport" , "Sculling sport?" , "Propelling boat with oars" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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