Ridley College Rowers Strike Gold at International Debut in Shanghai
SHANGHAI, CHINA – A girls’ rowing team from Ridley College in St. catharines,Ontario,has made a splash on the international stage,securing a gold medal and two silver medals at the 2025 Head of Shanghai River Regatta. This marks the first time the school’s rowing program has competed outside of North America.
The 10-member crew claimed victory in the junior women’s eight 500-meter sprint. They also earned silver medals in the 4.2-kilometre women’s eight and the women’s quad sculls.
“It is indeed really the experience and prospect to row at an international competitive level, in an amazing unique location, Suzhou Creek, right downtown Shanghai,” said Ridley College Headmaster Ed Kidd.”They will never experience anything like that anywhere else in the world. But than to be able to walk away feeling like they’ve accomplished something, with a first and a second place, is amazing.”
The team,comprised of students in Grades 11 and 12 with 2-3 years of rowing experience,began intensive training at the end of the previous school year to prepare for the regatta. Ridley College boasts a long-standing and highly respected rowing program, with nearly 60 years of history and a track record of producing national-level athletes.
Girls’ rowing director Siobhan mclaughlin noted the initial challenges of adapting to the Shanghai climate. “On our first few training days, I think it was like in the 40s and very humid,” she said. “So that was very different than what we had come to.”
Despite the heat, the regatta proved to be a valuable cultural exchange.Coach Ashley Van Roon emphasized the impact of the trip on the athletes. “The girls had an amazing time,” she said. “In terms of how it shaped them as athletes but also as kids, this was a big opportunity to travel that far, and then to be able to row was a whole other experience for them.”
Rower Rachel Mason highlighted the broader significance of the trip. “Along with the rowing and sport aspect, you’re there for a cultural experience,” she explained. “Something that I love, I love to travel. And so we got started with some foods, they were all great.”
Following their success in Shanghai,the Ridley team competed at the Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston,where they reconnected with athletes from China,further solidifying their gratitude for sport,culture,and international friendship.
With files from Jie Yang, OMNI News Mandarin
