Trent University student Graham Peeters will be returning to Trent this fall with a gold medal after a first-place finish as a member of the men’s quadruple sculls in the U23 World Rowing Championship held in Plovdiv, Bulgaria from July 22-26.

Mr. Peeters, a Biology and Chemistry major, and the team represented Canada and Trent on the world stage with a winning time of 5:45.75.

“On behalf of the entire Trent University community we congratulate Graham Peeters on his incredible success,” said Deborah Bright-Brundle, director of Athletics and Recreation at Trent University. “We’re fortunate to watch many strong rowers coming out of Trent due to our partnership with the Peterborough Rowing Club, Row Ontario and the Row to Podium program. Congratulations to Mr. Peeters as well as the other students representing Trent and Canada at the international level.”

Joining Mr. Peeters at the U23 World Championships were two other Trent University rowers –Alex Watson, a fourth-year Business Administration student, competed with the lightweight men’s quadruple sculls and won their B final on Saturday. Sarah Rothwell, a recent graduate of the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing, competed with the women’s quadruple sculls. This is the second year Ms. Rothwell has been named to the U23 team. Following her first fall season, she was invited to join the prestigious Row to Podium program at Trent, which identifies and trains future Olympic rowers. Ms. Rothwell’s quad, finished fifth in the B final and 11^th overall.

Mr. Peeters, Mr. Watson and Ms. Rothwell train with coach Carol Love in the Row to Podium program at Rowing Canada's Talent Development Centre at Trent.