(November 5, 2021) - Abbey Maillet of the Laurentian University Voyageurs is the gold medal winner of the OUA Rowing Championship that occurred in Welland, ON on Saturday, October 30th. A third-year Sport and Physical Education student, Maillet won the Women’s Lightweight Single with a time of 8:49.30, 5 seconds ahead of her closest competitor. “My experience at the OUA Championship to say the least was great. Representing Laurentian and winning gold met my goal which I have been working towards for some time now. I enjoyed being a part of the competitive environment.”
Maillet (Dundas, ON), started rowing at Leander Boat Club in Hamilton, shortly before entering high school. “My whole life, I’ve been very active and have participated in many rep sports,” she explained. It wasn’t long before she was recognized for her competitive edge - an edge equally matched by her passion for rowing. “I was in love with the sport right away.”
Maillet’s success at the OUA championship is preceded by other athletic accomplishments earlier this year. At the season’s opening regatta in Guelph, she was victorious as a double gold medal winner in both the Women’s Lightweight Single, and the Women’s Open Single. “What has helped me succeed is definitely the knowledge and experience from my coach, Dr. Amanda Schweinbenz. What I like most about being a Laurentian Varsity athlete is being able to represent my school with pride and respect. I have been able to create many memories as a Laurentian athlete and enjoy the beauty of Sudbury and Ramsey Lake.”
Dr. Schweinbenz recognizes Maillet for her excellence as a dedicated athlete. "Abbey is a great young woman with a fantastic work ethic. Throughout the pandemic she has worked tirelessly on improving her fitness, technique and her tactical approach to racing.”
After winning the gold medal of the OUA Rowing Championship in Welland, ON on October 30, third-year Sport and Physical Education student, Abbey Maillet, won bronze in the Women's Lightweight Single at the Canadian University Rowing Championship hosted by Brock University, November 6 and 7.
“Being able to compete and medal at the Canadian Unviversity Rowing Championship (CURC) was nothing but amazing! I really enjoyed the competitive environment of racing and being able to go up against some tough and fierce women in my event. Representing Laurentian University at the CURC is something I take real pride in,” said Maillet.
Maillet’s coach, Dr. Amanda Schweinbenz, was equally enthused to speak about Abbey’s recent athletic accomplishment. “Abbey had a great race on Sunday against a very tough competitive field. She has made a lot of progress since her first year here at Laurentian and I am excited to watch her develop over the next two years.”