While only starting rowing a few years ago, Olivia Calbeck has quickly established herself as a premier rower at Western University.
Calbeck, who grew up in Brantford, was always involved in sports; however, she gravitated to rowing in her early teens, eventually getting a chance to pursue it at university.
“I started gymnastics at the Brantford Gymnastics Academy when I was three and competed until the age of 13. Gymnastics [helped me] shape my mindset as a competitive athlete from a young age and taught me the same type of discipline required in rowing,” she said. “I originally discovered rowing in grade nine, but an elbow surgery prevented me from participating in high school. In my first year of university, I was provided with the opportunity to try out for the novice rowing team. It’s a great program because it helps develop rowers with little to no experience and trains athletes to progress to varsity.”
Nevertheless, while being a novice on the team, Calbeck’s commitment to the sport and rapid development gave her a chance to compete at the next level.
“It usually takes two years for novice rowers to join the varsity team, but I was one of two athletes from my novice program that was able to progress to varsity the following year. Earlier in 2025, we got to race as part of the varsity 8+ at the Ontario University Championships (OUAs) and Canadian University Championships (CURCs),” Calbeck explained. “My novice partner and I were selected to be the pair as well, and were the first novices to podium at OUAs during our first year on varsity. We also won the 8+ that year and took home the banner for most points earned by a women’s team. This competition grew my love for rowing and inspired me to train harder to get to where I am today.”
Now in her third year at the UWO, she has relished being in one of the top rowing programs in Ontario.
“The rowing team at Western is very special. The culture is extremely competitive, and we all push each other to be better. We work towards our own personal and team goals together, and we strive to get better each day because small improvements make all the difference in the long run. The program is well-structured with great coaching and a strong legacy…with such driven teammates and be a part of a program that is consistently among the top in the country,” described Calbeck.
However, Calbeck mentions several coaches who have influenced her growth and development in rowing.
“I have been lucky to have had amazing support over the years. My coaches, Matthew Waddell and Bob Ward, have both played a huge role in my development. They have been constantly pushing me to be the best athlete and competitor I could be. They have held me accountable to my training…[helping reach my goals.] As well, I wouldn’t be here without the support of my family and teammates,” she said.
However, there have been some highlights in her rowing journey, which was punctuated by an MVP honour as well as strong finishes at the 2024 OUA Championships.
“In 2022, my 4- won the Royal Canadian Henley, and I got to race alongside an Olympian, Jane Thornton, which was a big highlight for me, and another one was winning the bronze medal at the Canadian University Championships last fall in the 2- with my partner, Kira Mels-Williams. We had been training and competing against the best pairs in Ontario all season, and our hard work finally paid off when we were able to [excel at that event]…[also, another highlight was] at the 2024 OUA Championships in St. Catharines, [where] the Western women’s team placed 2nd overall. Our 8+ placed 2nd in a head-to-head fight for the podium, and my pair placed 3rd overall,” she said. “[And of course] winning the women’s MVP award was an incredible honour and meaningful milestone for me. This has been a goal of mine ever since I stepped foot into the Western rowing program back in 2021, and it reflects all the hard work and training that I’ve put in [over the years].”
Calbeck’s strong performances have given her a chance to compete on the international level at the International University Sports Federation Summer Games in Germany.
“The selection process for the FISU Canadian Team involved a 2K ERG test. My time was compared to other talented athletes from various universities, and I was selected to trial with my pair-partner from the fall. I had secured a spot along with two other girls from Queens and UBC, and the last spot was selected through seat racing,” she explained. “With FISU just around the corner, I have been putting an equal focus on training intensity [as well as] recovery. I have to trust the training we have done as a crew so far [while] focusing on controlling every aspect of racing that I can. I know the level of competition at the games will be incredibly high, and I am motivated to [deliver] the best performance possible for not only my crewmates, but for everyone who has continued to support me on this journey.”
Nevertheless, Calbeck looks to continue rowing beyond university while focusing on her career options.
“The goal is to continue rowing after university in any way possible. Whether I do more school like a master’s program…I would still love to pursue the sport and possibly strive for bigger opportunities like [making it onto the] senior national team,” Calbeck said. “I am currently studying medical sciences, and I am nearing the end of my educational journey at Western. There are many career paths I am still considering, but I will likely apply for teacher’s college in the fall or take a year to study for the MCAT and then apply to med schools.”
