Row Nova Scotia developing, promoting and growing the sport of rowing in Nova Scotia
Andrew Todd, a member of North Star Rowing Club and the Nova Scotia Provincial Team, claimed a gold medal earlier today at the World Rowing Championships in Linz-Ottensheim, Austria with his para-rowing Men’s Pair partner, Kyle Fredrickson – successfully defending their title from 2018 and becoming back-to-back World Champions. In a tightly-contested race, Todd and Fredrickson were in third place coming through the halfway point; they battled back to pass France in the third quarter, then stormed ahead to wrest victory from the eventual silver medallists, Australia.
“Everyone at North Star Rowing Club is thrilled for Andrew and his World Championship Gold,” exclaimed Peter Webster, Head Coach at North Star. “Andrew is an inspiration to his fellow rowers, including many of our younger members who have just started rowing.”
Todd began his rowing career at the University of Ottawa in 2007 and was selected to row at the National Training Centre in London, ON, in 2013. Soon after, an accident shifted the course of his rowing career and he made a successful transition into para-rowing. His work ethic and grit have set him on a clear trajectory towards excellence: in addition to now being a two-time World Champion, he also won a bronze medal at the Paralympic Games in Rio in 2016.
He currently trains in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and in Victoria, BC, setting a very high bar for provincial athletes aspiring to the international stage. He is deeply invested and engaged in the sport, and gives back to his rowing community through speaking engagements and by serving on the board of Row Nova Scotia. He also mentors the young athletes he trains with by offering copious advice and guidance.
“The rowing community in Nova Scotia and across the country is incredibly proud of Andrew’s achievements in Austria,” said Katie Edwards, President of Row Nova Scotia. “His highly-focused approach to training is infectious; he continually shows our young athletes just how much work truly goes into becoming a World Champion, and we are all confident in Andrew as he now sets his sights on Tokyo in 2020.”
If you missed the race watch the Final A of the PR3 Mens 2-.