A high school girls' rowing team from Ridley College in St. Catharines, Ontario, has achieved international acclaim by securing one gold and two silver medals at the 2025 Head of Shanghai River Regatta. This event is particularly notable as it marks the school's first competition outside of North America.
The crew, composed of 10 members, excelled in the junior women's eight 500-meter sprint, clinching gold, while they also earned silver in both the 4.2-kilometer women's eight and the short-distance women's quad events. This remarkable achievement highlights the skill and dedication of the young athletes who have only been training for two to three years.
Ed Kidd, the headmaster of Ridley College, expressed that participating in this international regatta was a significant milestone for the students, providing them with unique cultural exchange opportunities. "It is really the experience and opportunity to row at an international competitive level, in an incredibly unique location, Suzhou Creek, right downtown Shanghai," he noted. Kidd emphasized that the experience was unlike any they could have at home and praised their accomplishments of winning both gold and silver medals.
Siobhan McLaughlin, the director of girls' rowing, shared insights into the preparation leading up to the international debut, indicating that the team had committed to months of intensive training right from the end of the previous school year. Ridley College boasts one of the most established youth rowing programs in Canada, with a legacy spanning nearly 60 years. It has produced numerous national-level athletes and medalists in Canadian and North American championships.
For many participants and their coaches, this trip marked their first journey to China. McLaughlin pointed out that adapting to the local conditions posed a significant challenge. She recalled, "On our first few training days, I think it was like in the 40s and very humid, so that was very different than what we had come to." Despite these challenges, the regatta evolved into a rewarding cultural exchange for the team.
Ashley Van Roon, the girls' rowing coach, reflected on the experience, noting that it provided invaluable lessons both on and off the water for the team members. "The girls had an amazing time," she stated. This journey not only shaped them as athletes but also as individuals. The opportunity to travel such a distance and compete added immense value to their experience.
Ridley College's girls' rowing team made history as the first youth team from North America to participate in the 2025 Head of Shanghai River Regatta. The team, consisting of athletes in Grades 11 and 12, showcased exceptional talent and determination during the competition.
Rower Rachel Mason reflected on the trip as more than just a competitive event, emphasizing the importance of cultural experiences. "Along with the rowing and sport aspect, you’re there for a cultural experience," she stated. Mason expressed her passion for travel and shared that trying various local foods was a highlight of the journey.
Upon returning to Canada, the Ridley girls' rowing team went on to compete at the Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston, where they had the opportunity to reconnect with some of the Chinese athletes they had met in Shanghai. This experience not only strengthened their appreciation for sports but also fostered cross-cultural friendships that transcended borders.
