1. What inspired you to go to your first rowing practice; was there anything memorable about it?
My older sister, Kim McQueen (nee Calder) coxed in high school, at the University of Victoria and on the National Team. I always enjoyed watching her race and when I was old enough I joined our high school team as well.
2. Was there a practice, race or other event when you fell in love with the sport, or when you knew you might not be too bad at rowing? When you thought you could make the national team?
I remember the day that I decided that I wanted to be an Olympic Champion. It was Christmas morning 1993. I was out in my single rowing 'along-side' of three very well known Canadian Olympic medalist in their singles, playing leaf-frog for the very first time. The ease and grace of their rowing and their sense of camaraderie between them made me 100% certain I wanted to be like them. I have been in pursuit of that dream ever since.
3. Best race/practice, worst race/practice?
Best races for me are in the 2-. Rowing with Scott Frandsen over the 2008 season was so exciting and fun - being in the boat with him again in the lead up to London (over the past 2 years) we have been able to take our rowing to a new level. That said, I've loved racing the 2- since I was a junior, racing with Kevin White in 1996, and as an U23 racing with Morgan Crooks in 1999 (but racing senior events).
Worst practice in recent memory has to be the hour-of-power I set out to break the 1:40 split barrier. Although I had come close over the previous weeks, I would negative split my way closer to the barrier. That week I blasted out sub 1:39 and tried to settle into a good rhythm. It didn't work. I spent the last 40 minutes slipping higher and higher into oblivion!
4. Best/Anything you've done in the sport no one knows about?
My 1st XV Rugby Team from Brentwood won the Independent School's Championships in 1996, I was starting left lock.
5. Any/Most important advice for young rowers?
Advice my sister gave to me once: Perfect the stroke you are taking. There's no sense worrying about bad strokes you've taken, for they are behind you. But never forget that with every stroke you take you have one less stroke to prove yourself with.
Hometown: Victoria, B.C.
Date of Birth: 5/21/78
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 210
High School: Brentwood College, BC
Undergraduate Education: University of Washington
Years on National Team: Ten - 1996, Junior; 1998-2000, 2003-2004, 2008, 2010-2012, Senior
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