VICTORIA – There is no shortage of University of Victoria rowers representing Canada this summer, having already sent over 20 varsity student-athletes and alumni to the FISU World University Rowing Championship and Henley Royal Regatta. On Wednesday, Rowing Canada Aviron (RCA) unveiled the rosters for the upcoming Under-23 and Under-19 Championships—collectively known as the Mega Worlds—as well as the CanAmMex Regatta, featuring twelve current and incoming Vikes among the select Canadian contingent.
Representing the Vikes at the Under-23 World Championships in St. Catharines, ON, from August 18-25, is Giancarlo DiPompeo, a Canadian University Rowing Championship (CURC) gold medalist and 2024 FISU Games silver medalist. The fourth-year Vike, who hails from St. Catharines, will return to the U23 competition in the lightweight men's double, aiming for a podium finish on his home soil.
Joining him on the Under-23 roster are women's rowers Sai Sai Faubert, who will race the lightweight quad, and Ellie Sousa in the women's eight.
Faubert, a fourth-year Vike and Oak Bay High School alumna began her rowing journey in Grade 8 when a friend dragged her (somewhat unwillingly) to a team meeting. Despite her initial hesitation, Faubert hasn't looked back and is now set to make her world championship debut on a familiar Henley course.
"I've been to Henley [Royal Canadian Henley Regatta] many times, so I'm really excited to row the canal and have our coaches and fans in the grandstands so close to the action," said Faubert.
Currently decentralized, the Canadian sculling team has spent the summer training in St. Catharines. According to Faubert, a typical training day includes two sessions, rowing between 20 and 27 kilometres and lifting weights. Standing at just 5'4", Faubert is usually one of the smallest team members, but her years of experience have made her a natural leader. She will sit in the bow seat and set the course.
"We have a good advantage going into worlds. We are acclimatized to the weather and have a good feel for the course and how the water moves. We've been training so hard. I'm just excited to see what our boat can do and to gain some international rowing experience," she continued.
Representing Victoria on the junior national team (U19) in the men's eight are incoming Vikes Quinn McCoy of the Claremont Sports Institute and James Gemmill of the Victoria City Rowing Club. Vikes newcomer Kate Watson of the Victoria City Rowing Club will compete in the women's coxed four.
Six UVic recruits will also gain international experience ahead of the varsity season at the CanAmMex Regatta taking place from August 6-11 in Mexico City, Mexico. This event features entries from the National Sport Organizations for Canada, Mexico, the United States, and the Bahamas. This year, the CanAmMex Regatta will be hosted at the Olympic Basin, featuring a four-day camp followed by a two-day regatta.
Vikes newcomers representing Canada include Maxamillian Powell, Elijah Baughen, Tristan Chang, John Carmichael, Gabrial Cinq-Mars, and Jacqueline Cruickshank.
A large contingent of UVic rowers will also hit the canal this week at the 140th Royal Henley Regatta in St. Catharines, ON, from July 28-August 4, 2024. Live Streaming for the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta is available here.
Mega Worlds Event Details:
Date: August 18-25, 2024
Location: St. Catharines, ON
Where to Follow Racing: www.worldrowing.com
CanAmMex Regatta Event Details:
Date: August 6-11, 2024
Location: Olympic Basin, Mexico City, Mexico
