VICTORIA – University of Victoria men's rowing standout Giancarlo DiPompeo has been named the 2024 Rowing BC Athlete of the Year, capping off an extraordinary season of achievements.

Since DiPompeo arrived in Victoria in 2021, he's been nothing short of remarkable. A 2023 national champion, he won the lightweight single (1x) title at the 2023 Canadian University Rowing Championship (CURCs). He also helped the Vikes lightweight men's double (2x) and lightweight four (4+) boats to fourth place finishes. 

"He [Giancarlo] does the work. He's methodical, disciplined and he doesn't take shortcuts. This approach gives him the confidence that he can go up against the best in the world and that is the kind of competition he seeks out. When he doesn't perform at the level he wants, he breaks down the performance and and is excited to build that next level of skill needed to be a master of his craft," said Aalbert Van Schothorst, UVic men's rowing head coach. 

At the 2024 Canadian University Rowing Championship held Nov. 1-3 at Elk Lake, DiPompeo demonstrated, once again, why he is the Vikes top performer by bringing home three medals: silver in the lightweight men's single (1x) and bronze in both the lightweight men's double (2x) and lightweight men's four (4+)—a remarkable showcase of grit and endurance which have been hallmarks of his rowing career.

DiPompeo made waves on the international stage this summer, representing Canada at the FISU World University Rowing Championships in Rotterdam, where he captured silver in the lightweight men's single (1x). He later returned to his hometown of St. Catharines to compete at the U23 Super Worlds in the lightweight men's double (2x). Despite leading in the final, his crew narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth in a fiercely competitive field.

Domestically, Giancarlo delivered standout performances at the 2024 National Rowing Championships in Welland, ON, taking gold in the U23 men's single (1x) and silver in the open men's single (1x). These results, coupled with his leadership as co-captain of the UVic Vikes rowing team, have  solidified his place as one of the sport's rising stars.

A multi-time nominee for UVic Men's Athlete of the Year, DiPompeo continues to set a high standard both on and off the water. His dedication and achievements earned him the 2024 Rowing BC Athlete of the Year title—a well-deserved recognition for an athlete who continues to push boundaries.