News Archive
Montgomery wins Bronze
Shawnigan teacher medals in Rio
Meghan Montgomery is bringing some treasure back to Shawnigan.
A beloved math teacher, Ms. Montgomery was notably absent when classes began last week.
Her excuse? Competing at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Brazil.
Having retired from competitive rowing in 2012, the former World Champion returned to training last year and began to eye a spot at the Rio games.
“I left my athletic career feeling as though I had unfinished business,” she admitted as part of a feature story for Black and Gold Magazine in the spring.
Racing in the LTA Mixed Coxed Four, Ms. Montgomery and her teammates opened their Rio journeys with a second place finish in Friday's heats. The finish landed them in a Saturday repechage, where they posted the fastest time of all boats.
Early Sunday morning, the team returned for the 'A' final, with hopes of becoming the first Canadian crew to ever win a Paralympic medal.
"As a team we decided to commit to each other to give it our all and leave no stone unturned," Montgomery says. "For me that means I had to be smart technically, and make sure my timing and rhythm matched my seat. I had no doubts in my desire to stand on the podium or my ability to give every ounce of energy I had. However, sometimes that desire can be inefficient, so I had to focus on balancing being both relaxed and powerful."
In front of a packed Lagoa Stadium, Sunday's final saw Canada battle from behind to almost catch the USA for 2nd. "We came back on the US in a big way. We got from the stern to just being a bow ball away from silver," Ms. Montgomery said shortly after the final, adding "It was a good race."
Canada finished in a time of 3:19.90, winning Paralympic bronze and making history in the process.
"We're all pretty excited for her," says Colin Mattock, Shawnigan's Head of Rowing. "I know how much she's put into it, in terms of time and energy, and to see it pay off like this is amazing." Mr. Mattock also believes the achievement will bring new enthusiasm to Shawnigan's rowing program. "People are going to be talking about rowing," he grins.
"I keep thinking about all the people I get to share this experience with when I get home," Ms. Montgomery told us Monday morning from Rio. "I am really looking forward to hugging my friends, family, colleagues and students who have supported me through this journey. The encouragement I've received from both staff and students at Shawnigan has been incredible, and I am beyond grateful for being given the opportunity to achieve this result. Thank you to all of Shawnigan for giving me the chance and supporting me all the way!"
– Jon Zacks
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful Pacific Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
