Name: Darcy Marquardt
Sport: Rowing
Hometown: Richmond, BC – Current city: London, ON
Nickname: Darce
Favorite Sports Memory: In 1988, watching Elizabeth Manley figure skate to a silver medal at the Calgary Olympics from my couch at the age of 9.
How you got involved in your sport: I heard about it from a friend in university residence in my first year at Uvic. I wanted to try a new sport so I went to the information meeting. They were pretty cut-throat with novices back then and after we filled out a sheet with our stats, everyone that was under 5’9 was cut! (I’m 6’0 tall)
The moment you knew you wanted to represent Canada: In 2000, our Uvic varsity coach, took us to London, ON to train before going overseas to race in the UK. The National team women were there training for the Sydney Olympics and I remember one practice where our boat got to train alongside theirs. When they rowed by us, I thought “I want to be in that boat.”
Favorite Quote: “Confidence frees us to live and perform at a higher level, not because our abilities suddenly improve but because of the belief in ourselves, and the abilities we already have.” ~ Terry Orlick
CAN Fund Testimonial: Having been a multiple recipient of CAN Fund over the years, I am so grateful because without their continued support I would not still be in rowing. I have been to two Olympic Games, and hope to retire after London 2012 after a podium performance. CAN Fund allows me to stay in sport now and have peace of mind that I will not be completely in debt when I retire. Jane and everyone at CAN Fund truly cares about Canada’s athletes, from the young up-and-comers to the senior members like me. Thank you!
Best Result: 2006 World Champion in pairs (with Jane Rumball), more recently 2010 NZ World Silver medalist, women’s eights
Fun Facts:
– I am the oldest of 5 children
– I met my boyfriend, Rich, at the 2008 Beijing Olympics (he is a swimmer for Canada) and we are both training for London 2012 Games
– I grew up playing other sports: softball, rugby, hockey, figure skating and didn’t find my Olympic sport until age 19!
