Fifty Years Since Montreal: When Women's Rowing Became Olympic

Fifty years ago this summer, I stood on the medal podium in Montreal with my teammates from the women's eight. We had just won bronze... and we had just made history. 1976 was the first year women were allowed to compete in Olympic rowing events. Think about that: the sport had been part of the Games since 1900, yet women had to wait 76 years for our turn on the water. 🥉

Montreal is celebrating the 50th anniversary of those Games throughout 2026, and the rowing community is gathering for MONTRÉAL AVIRON 1976-2026 to honor that milestone. For those of us who were there, it's a chance to remember what it felt like to finally belong on the Olympic stage. For the generations who came after, it's a reminder that the doors we walk through today were opened by those who refused to accept "not yet."

I often think about my teammates and the women from other nations who competed alongside us. We didn't talk much about being pioneers; we were too busy trying to win. The history part became clearer with time. What matters now is that young women can pursue rowing at every level without anyone questioning whether they belong.

If you were in Montreal in 1976, or if you have memories of those Games, I'd love to hear your stories. History lives in the telling. 🇨🇦

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