BURFORD TEEN WINS GOLD AT NORTH AMERICA’S LARGEST REGATTA

Caleb McCleary of Burford won gold in the Junior Men Single event at the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta – North America’s largest regatta.

Competing in St. Catharines against rowers from across North America, McCleary won his heat with the fastest overall time of over 70 competitors. In his semi-final, McCleary advanced to the final with the second fastest overall time. “In the final, I took the lead at about the 1000 meter mark but it was close all the way” said McCleary. “It was only in the last 500 meters when I started to pull away.” McCleary won the final with a commanding four second lead over the second place finisher.

A Henley gold medal is one of the most sought after medals in the North American rowing circuit. McCleary began rowing on indoor rowing machines as part of an elementary school program in Burford and moved on to on water rowing with the Silver Lake Rowing Club based in Port Dover. While rowing competitively with the Silver Lake Rowing Club, McCleary was spotted by Shawnigan Lake School in British Columbia and offered a scholarship. This winter and spring, McCleary attended school in British Columbia and trained under the coaching of former Rowing Canada member athletes before returning home for the summer.

McCleary was invited to participate on Rowing Canada’s junior development team for two weeks In July where they trained in London and competed in Tennessee. He won gold at the US Rowing Club National Championships as a member of Canada’s Lightweight Men's Intermediate Quad. McCleary returned to his home club to train with Silver Lake for the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta.

According to Head Coach Sue Fairley, “This is a significant accomplishment for Caleb. His commitment and drive has received a lot of attention in the rowing community. He shows a lot of potential.”

Picture 1: Caleb and Head Coach Sue Fairley at boat trailer on Henley Island in St. Catharines.

Picture 2: Caleb with trophy and plague at the Henley Grandstand in St. Catharines.

For more information regarding Canada’s National Junior Team, visit: http://www.rowingcanada.org/fr/national_team/junior/canam_2010/ 

For more information regarding the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta, visit: http://henleyregatta.ca

Caleb’s parents, Rick and Ellen McCleary, can be reached at: 519-754-6030

The Silver Lake Rowing Club was established in 1999 to promote the sport of rowing in Norfolk County and surrounding communities. For information regarding Club rowing contact Susan Fairley Head Coach (519-583-0461). To find out more about the Silver Lake Rowing Club, call Jim Dover President, Silver Lake Rowing Club (905-318-5932 ext. 224 / 519-426-5677) or visit our web site at: www.silverlakerowingclub.com.