So You Want to be an Olympian?

Editor’s note: this original entry is posted on AdmissionsQuest’s Boarding School Blog.

Dave Calder and Scott Frandsen (Silver Medalists)

London 2012 is only a few months away.  Astonishingly, Brentwood College School (a co-educational boarding school in in British Columbia, Canada) already has 4 athletes that have been selected to try out for the 2012 Canadian Olympic rowing team.  Over the last 30 years, Brentwood has consistently developed national and internationally recognized athletes, many of whom have gone on and represented their nation at the Olympics.  In fact, there have been 23 Brentwood graduates who have participated in the Olympics.

There are many reasons why Brentwood College School, a Gr.9-12 school of only 445 students, can compete so effectively on the world stage, particularly in crew.  One main reason is its spectacular oceanfront campus.  Since the temperate climate of British Columbia allows rowing year round, Brentwood’s crews can train throughout the year without having to only do land-based training during the winter months each year.  Brentwood’s facilities, including an indoor rowing tank, two ergometer centers,  a Centre for High Performance, and exceptional coaching and training staff, all combine to offer those interested in crew to get the best possible access to the latest training and hands-on experience.

Success breeds success.  Just being in a culture of success creates an enthusiastic and motivating environment for our athletes, scholars and artists.  While Brentwood is equally recognized for its spectacular academic tradition and its unrivaled fine arts opportunities, there is a certain pride and tradition of success athletically (last year the school sent 7 different sports teams to Provincial championships – the equivalent of a State championships);  this confidence and pride resonates throughout the campus each year.  Brentwood students tend to believe anything can be achieved through effort and commitment.

The following Olympians attended Brentwood College.