By Sarah Tone, Communications Coordinator
Leading up to the 2022 Canada Summer Games, we are featuring the dedicated coaches who spend countless hours giving back to sport.
Let’s get to know Rowing Coach, Janine Stephens!
How long have you been coaching this sport?
I started coaching in May of 2017. We were in a place in Manitoba where we were letting the athletes down and not providing a way for them to be successful. I noticed this problem because I was the president of the Winnipeg Rowing Club at the time. It was then that I decided to do something about it, and got into coaching.
What do you love most about coaching?
Watching the athletes improve bit by bit is special. Any change is a good thing, but watching them have their best race on race day is so fun. I love to see athletes surprise themselves with what is possible. They get excited and it’s wonderful.
What is your team doing in preparation for the Games?
Recruiting! We’re getting some new people who want to work hard. We have a solid group of about 12 who are already training. We need more, but we are already far ahead of where we were in 2017, and that was our best Games to date. I’m excited to have the extra year to build on that and keep our momentum going with this new, powerful group! (more on that, here: sportmanitoba.ca/rowing-2022-canada-summer-games)
What are the team goals for the 2022 Canada Games?
Win 5 medals? We have 16 possible, so we should be able to get a few medals if all the athletes we have now decide to race for us.
Any advice for your athletes going into the Games?
Have fun and row hard. These memories will last forever, so enjoy the experience!
