Whittard gives back at Mega Worlds
Cait Whittard will represent Canadian in the under-23 women’s eight at the upcoming Mega Worlds in St. Catharines. All photos by Alika Jenner.
Cait Whittard is grateful she has the chance to represent her country at the 2024 World Rowing Senior, Under 23, and Under 19 Championships (Mega Worlds) Aug. 18-25 in St. Catharines.
“Very few have the opportunity to race where they took their very first rowing strokes,” the 19-year-old St. Catharines native said. “Personally, I see this is an opportunity to give back to all my family and friends who have supported me through rowing but also all the sports growing up. Now they have the opportunity to watch me race in person for my country and see where everything they have done for me has got me to.”
She expects to have lots of fan support for the event.
“I think with racing on home soil and in my hometown, there will definitely be a lot of red and white which I cannot wait to see.”
The Denis Morris graduate made Canada’e eight at trials held in St. Catharines.
“I was extremely happy when finding out I had made the team. I always love having the opportunity to wear the leaf,” said Rowing Canada’s 2022 Junior Athlete of the Year. “It is such an honour and fills me with so much pride. There really is nothing quite like it. I am also excited to share this experience with all the other athletes with Canada having so many boats competing. It is really exciting for the future of rowing in Canada.”
It is the second time Whittard has represented Canada at the worlds. She rowed in a double at the 2022 junior worlds and that experience will pay dividends in 2024.
“Racing at worlds can bring all different emotions. I think having that experience has taught me what to expect going into the regatta with how to handle my emotions but also the number of athletes around and the size of the regatta itself.”
She is excited to share the experience with her teammates and watch all the Canadians race.
“It’s going to be an exciting regatta and hopefully (there will be) some hardware across all crews on home soil.”
Whittard has no expectations for worlds other than knowing the racing is going to be fast.
“I know with the girls in this crew and coaches backing us up, we will be ready for when the green light goes off in St. Catharines.”
Whittard is coming off her sophomore season at the University of Washington where she was a member of the second varsity eight. That boat placed fourth at the NCAA championships.
“The ending was bittersweet with seven of my nine crewmates graduating but I will forever love this season to be able to have one last ride with them,” she said. “The ending was tough with finishing just off the podium but our crew built so much speed throughout the season and gave us lots to be proud of. No matter the result, this will be one of the most memorable seasons for me because of the memories created and friendships I made.”
The food systems and nutrition major feels committing to Washington was the best decision she could ever have made.
“The sisterhood and culture created there is indescribable and I am thankful for it every day. I am challenged athletically and academically which has elevated me as a person. The coaches and staff there have also made moving far from home seamless with their continuous support and guidance.”
This past season, she made a lot of mental progress in the sport.
“I have found a really good routine that works for me to feel the most race ready I can when I am in the starting blocks. This year has taught me a lot about balance between rowing and life, and how to separate the two which is very important for longevity in the sport and something I struggled with starting out.”
She will return to Washington at the end of September and her goal is to help her boat get back on the NCAA podium.
“The team has quite the history but it’s not just that. The future of this team is very promising and I am excited to see how we all elevate each other starting this fall. It’s going to be hard but I am eager to see what the coaches have in store because I know it’ll make me and the team stronger and faster.”
Competing at worlds should kick-start that goal.
“I always find myself excited for what’s next after a race, so I think worlds will have me hungry for more when heading back to Washington.”
