Name: Rob Gibson
CAN Fund Recipient Since: 2010
Sport: Rowing
Best Result:
2012 Olympic Silver Medalist, Men’s Eight
Hometown: Kingston, ON
How does being a CAN Fund Recipient make a difference for you?
CAN Fund has helped me continue my rowing career into my late 20’s as I am now training to make my 3rd Olympic team. I have been a multiple recipient of CAN Fund throughout my career. Over the years I have used the financial support to help with the costs associated with the never ending training schedule. Buying the right groceries, having my own 1x (boat) to train in, a new mattress and being able to fly home to Ontario to see my family over Christmas are just a few of the ways CAN Fund has helped me on my Olympic journey.
Share 3 words to describe what CAN Fund is to you:
Team, Passion, Support
Think of someone who has impacted your life. Share 3 words on who they are to you:
Terry Paul – Mentor, Friend, Champion
Terry Paul has had a big influence on my career with Rowing Canada. He is an Olympic champion from 1992 and coached me from 2006-2008. Terry gave me confidence and helped refine my skills on the water which ultimately set me up for competing on the Olympic team.
What advice would you give to young kids or adolescents about following their dreams?
I would say to not put them aside. Dare to be different. Don’t let anyone tell you you’re not good enough or your aspirations are too high. If you really want to achieve something, make it happen. You will find a way. The path to success is not a linear line. There will be setbacks. Learn from them and keep moving forward. Never quit.
What is the biggest hurdle you have overcome to get to where you are today?
The biggest hurdle for me was my inability to move small boats fast. I dreaded going to practice each day knowing I was likely going to get beaten by the majority of the team. Many people doubted me. Even more didn’t want to row with me. I would think about quitting daily but I never gave up. I made the team for the London Olympics, earned a silver medal at the Games and set a world record in the process.
What is or was the best part of representing Canada?
I am very proud to race for my country and I have been doing so since 2004. Representing Canada is a privilege and I feel grateful for all of the support we receive from our country. I really enjoy travelling with our team to competitions. We get quite a lot of stares as we walk through airports.
What is next? What are your current goals?
Next for me are the 2015 World Championships and the 2016 Olympics in Rio. My goals are to push myself to be the absolute best athlete I can be going into these competitions. No regrets. I feel very fortunate to be able to do what I do. I have yet to set my sights on anything too big past the next Olympics. Right now it’s all I’m focused on.
What are your top 3 favourite songs to work out to?
Radioactive by Imagine Dragons
Clubbed to Death by Rob D
Lose Yourself by Eminem
What is your favourite book?
The Boys In The Boat
What is your favourite quote or words to live by?
“Win or lose you will never regret working hard, making sacrifices, being disciplined or focusing too much”
“Success isn’t owned. It’s leased and rent is due everyday” –J.J Watt
What is your favourite recipe?
Salmon and risotto with green beans is a meal I make at least twice a week.
It’s a simple and fast meal with loads of flavour, protein and carbs.
- 400 grams of wild coho or sockeye salmon
- Add salt, pepper, olive oil, lemon wedges and balsamic vinegar to salmon (add some butter if it’s been a tougher than average training day)
- Add sliced mushrooms and cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet
- Bake for 20mins at 350
- Boil green beans for 5mins
- Buy a box of risotto and follow preparation instructions. I have yet to make risotto from scratch.
Twitter: @RobGibson86
Instagram: ROBBIEGIBSON86
