Claire Brillon

Nationality

CAN

Height

1.83m

School/High School

University of British Columbia

Club CUBC

Undergraduate/Graduate

Graduate

Previous University

University of British Columbia

Graduate course

MPhil Music

What is your Cambridge College?

Fitzwilliam

Why are you studying your course?

Because of my interest in music’s impact on the brain.

Year you first started rowing?

2015

First rowing club?

University of British Columbia

Why/How did you get into rowing?

I was recruited because of my height.

Name of first rowing coach?

Sheryl Preston

Who is your rowing idol?

Hillary Janssens

Who would be your dream team eight to row with from everyone in the history of rowing?

Will Crothers, Grace Pendergast, Julia Lindsay, Kristen Kit, Avalon Wasteneys, Dan DeGroot, Andrea Proske, Craig Pond, Hillary Janssens, Jessica Sevick.

How do you balance rowing and academic life?

Using all my time efficiently and prioritizing sleep.

What’s your rowing history, and what has been your biggest achievement so far?

The sport of rowing has carried me through many highs and lows, and it has provided me with a structure that has become an integral part of my life. My biggest accomplishment thus far has been racing at the World Championships in 2022. This was my first time representing Canada at the senior level (coxless four).

Have you raced in the Boat Race before? If yes, when?

No

Have you ever been at school/ university/on a team with anyone at ‘the other place’?

Yes. Julia Lindsay (Oxford Blue Boat 2021 and 2022) and I were best friends throughout her whole University of British Columbia career. We even lived together for 3 years.

What is the best place you have ever rowed?

Shawnigan Lake on a calm morning will always take the cake.

Where would be your dream place to row?

Glacier Lake near Whistler.

Obviously, it’s long hours and hard work – what inspires you to keep rowing?

I love it. It brings me joy and fulfilment.

What do you feel is your greatest achievement through rowing, be it accolades or something more?

Finding out that I can be world class in something has been an invaluable asset to my life.

Your favourite race so far?

May speed trials 2022

What has been your most embarrassing/funny rowing moment?

We had been doing a stand-up drill (loaded at the catch, standing up) but I did it one extra time and stood up tall to see the rest of the boat taking a normal stroke. Came crashing down on the deck promptly.

What is your favourite sports quote?

“No pain, no gain.”

How would you describe the sport to a non-rower?

Fun and repetitive.

What is your favourite movie about sports? Why?

I’m not really one for movies, but maybe She’s the Man… a great gender-bender film.

How does being an athlete make you a better person?

Makes me value fairness, hard work and punctuality.

Why do you think someone outside of the sport can relate to your career as an athlete so far?

Because I wasn’t an athlete in any capacity until finding my niche.

What are your strengths, as a person and as an athlete?

I’m very determined and not afraid to fail.

What do your friends think of your athletic success? How do you handle missing out on activities with friends because of your athletic schedule?

My friends are all very proud, and those who tease me for being lame or a grandma either love me for it or end up not being in my close circles.