A high school girls’ rowing team from Ridley College in Ontario has made a significant splash on the international stage by clinching one gold and two silver medals at the 2025 Head of Shanghai River Regatta. This achievement also marked the school’s debut in competitions outside North America.
The team of 10 girls from the private school in St. Catharines triumphed in the junior women’s eight 500-metre sprint, while securing silver medals in the 4.2-kilometre women’s eight and the short-distance women’s quad races.
Ridley College headmaster Ed Kidd described the event as not just a milestone but also an exceptional cultural journey for the students. He highlighted the rare opportunity for the team to compete at an international level in the captivating setting of Suzhou Creek in downtown Shanghai.
Girls’ rowing director Siobhan McLaughlin shared that the team had dedicated months of rigorous training to prepare for their first international appearance. The school, situated along the scenic Niagara River, boasts a prestigious youth rowing program with a history spanning close to six decades, cultivating numerous national-level athletes and champions in Canadian and North American competitions.
Although this was the first trip to China for most of the athletes and coaches, they had to adapt to varying conditions, including high temperatures and humidity. Despite the challenges, the experience of the regatta provided invaluable lessons and insights for the team on and off the water.
Reflecting on the trip, rower Rachel Mason emphasized that the journey went beyond the realm of sport, offering a rich cultural experience that included trying out diverse local cuisines. Upon returning home, the Ridley girls’ rowing squad participated in the Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston, reuniting with fellow athletes from China and reinforcing the bonds of friendship and appreciation for sports and cultures transcending borders.