GNS Student Rowan Thompson Successful in Summer Rowing

As Rowan Thompson enters her Grade 12 year at GNS, she’s become a force in the rowing world, thanks to her involvement with the GNS rowing team which first sparked her passion for the sport.

Rowing provides a much-needed balance offering a physical and mental break from the rigours of academic life. “It’s nice to have a team to commit to and do something outside of school. It’s an outlet so it’s not just schoolwork.”

Over the summer, Rowan dedicated herself entirely to training. “I’ve been training all summer without any time off. Just mentally pushing yourself to practice is so tough, especially when you’re not used to it,” she said. The physical demands of rowing are intense, but it’s the mental toughness required that sets it apart. “It’s like a two-kilometre row, and you’re in pain the entire time, but it’s usually worth it in the end.”

Rowan described the pre-race nerves and the difficulty of staying calm at the start line as some of the toughest moments in competition. Yet, the satisfaction of overcoming these hurdles is what drives her. 

This year, Rowan has focused on team rowing, particularly in larger boats. “It takes a lot of trust and faith that everyone else is pushing as hard as you are.” 

Her dedication paid off when she and her teammates secured first place in a coxed four event at the BC Provincial Championships, a significant victory as they prepared for the World Championships.

For Rowan, this win is a reassurance of her team’s capabilities on a larger stage. “It was reassuring to know that provincially, we can perform. It’s nerve-wracking going to the world stage, where you don’t know how you’ll place,” she admits.

“It’s a lot of fun, but it takes a lot of time. It’s a big-time sacrifice, so make sure you’re ready for that. But you can also just do it for the school season, which is less of a sacrifice. So if you’re interested, just do it, there’s no harm. It’s a fun environment,” said Rowan in offering advice to other students considering rowing.

As she heads into her final year of high school, there’s no doubt that her future in rowing is bright.