This past weekend Rowing Canada staged the 2009 National Rowing Championships in London, Ontario. The regatta invites athletes from across the country who compete in either singles or pairs for the honor of being acclaimed National Champion.
The event is relatively unique in its format in that it is restricted to small boats (singles and pairs) and invites athletes with varying skill levels, ages and abilities. But after observing the proceedings one thing is abundantly clear. Canada's men's program will be a force in the next Olympic quadrennial.
In attendance were Olympic Gold Medallists Ben Rutledege, Malcolm Howard, Andrew Byrnes and Kevin Light - who from appearances - appear commited to train on a full time basis through to London 2012. They join a group of athletes that includes Gabe Bergen, James Dunaway and Steve VanKnotsenburg who were members of Canada's silver medal winning 8+ at the 2009 World Championships and as well Michael Brathwaite - Bronze Medallist at the 2009 U23 World Championships. All of who were in attendance in London.
And now add to the mix are the intangibles who weren't there but from the sounds of things might be returning. In conversing with with Assistant National Team Coach Alison Dobbs, Olympic Gold Medallists Jake Wetzel, Adam Kreek, Kyle Hamilton and Brian Price have asked to be placed back on famed head coach Mike Spracklen's mailing list - indicating to many that a return is inevitable.
And despite the depth of talent in attendance and the discusson surrounding those who weren't - the winner of the Men's pair at the 2009 National Rowing Championships were a pair of 19 year olds; Colin McCabe, and Anthony Jacobs. The future truly is bright within Rowing Canada.
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