VICTORIA – A perennial powerhouse with a storied tradition of sending athletes to compete on the world stage, the University of Victoria rowing programs continue to set the pace. This summer, from July 4-6, an impressive contingent of 13 Vikes student-athletes will don the maple leaf at the 2024 FISU World University Rowing Championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
FISU TEAM ROSTER
At the helm of the women's sweep team is
Jane Gumley, three-time Canadian University Rowing (CURC) Coach of the Year. Making her international coaching debut, Gumley will co-lead the women's eight and pair, which includes current Vikes standouts
Danica Ariano,
Mikaela Holthuis, and Gabrielle Keiser, who are training at UVic and Elk Lake.
Natalya Ariano will also represent the Vikes as part of the sculling crew and is training at McGill University and the Montreal Rowing Club.
Gumley has competed internationally as a coxswain but has yet to coach at that level and says she looks forward to testing herself on the world stage. "I'm excited to work with different athletes from programs across the country. To see them come together, build camaraderie, and have this experience is something they won't forget," said Gumley.
"It's really fun for the athletes, especially those who came to the sport through the novice program like Danica and Mikaela, who missed the U23 age group but can gain racing experience and exposure at the under 25 level. It's neat to see so many projects providing opportunities for up-and-coming Canadian rowers," she continued.
On the men's side, Vikes head coach
Aalbert Van Schothorst is co-leading the men's sweep and skulls project also training at Elk Lake. Eleven incoming, current, and recent graduates of the Vikes men's program make up the Canadian contingent, including
Giancarlo DiPompeo,
Connor Attridge,
Kai Bartel,
Michael Caryk,
Jesse Harold,
Victor Lefebvre, Samuel Ree,
Quinn Storey, and
Sascha Jansen-Rudan.
For Vikes standout and CURC gold medalist
Giancarlo DiPompeo, this will be his first FISU university championships and his first time racing a single scull internationally.
"I have raced internationally a few times now and took home a bronze medal last year at the Under-23 World Rowing Championships, so I am looking to use that experience to push to the next level and take a win on the international stage at both the FISU championships and the Under 23 World Rowing Championship this summer in St. Catharines," said DiPompeo.
The FISU national team's mandate is to provide international competitive opportunities to NextGen athletes who have demonstrated characteristics from Rowing Canada Avirons Athlete Development Pathway. A Rowing Canada and FISU panel selected athletes based on a combination of international experience, performance at the CURCs and erg scores, among other things.
For many Vikes rowers, competing at the age group level will provide their first chance to compete against international competition and test themselves at the highest level of the sport. Organized by the International University Sports Federation (FISU), these championships attract university athletes from around the world, promoting international competition, cultural exchange, and the spirit of sportsmanship among young athletes.
While the experience is once in a lifetime, it's also entirely self-funded, so the men's and women's student-athletes set to represent Canada this summer are seeking donations to help cover expenses, including flights, accommodation, coaching, equipment fees, event registration and more.
Unlike many other students who can typically get full-time jobs during the summer, the high training load means that athletes are unable to work full-time. Your donations will help make this trip possible. It is only with the help of generous donors that Vikes student-athletes can train and compete at a high level while attending university. Any amount you can donate would be greatly appreciated and will make a significant difference in helping them achieve their goals.
SUPPORT THE VIKES
UVic Women's Rowing Fundraiser for FISU & Worlds
UVic Men's Rowing Fundraiser for FISU & Worlds
