In honour of International Women’s Day, AthletesCAN decided to share an interview with our President, Susanne Wereley. Here, we talk about what representation in sport (and life!) means to her, as well as how we can #AccelerateAction. Susanne rowed for Canada on the Senior National Team for eight years and at two Olympic Games, most notable as a member of the women’s eight boat that won gold at Tokyo 2020. She is also a mom of one with another on the way, and works with Rowing Canada as their communications manager.
AthletesCAN has a board that is 50% women, an executive that is 50% women, and is led by you, a female president. How do you think that influences the board and the directions we take as an organization?
Having gender equity at every level of leadership within AthletesCAN creates a more balanced, inclusive, and forward-thinking organization. It ensures that diverse perspectives are considered in decision-making, which leads to policies and initiatives that better serve all athletes. It also sets a powerful example for the broader sport community, proving that meaningful leadership opportunities for women should be the standard, not the exception.
What is your proudest achievement as a woman in sport?
Winning an Olympic gold medal at the 2020 Olympics was an incredible way to culminate my career, and it’s something I will always be proud of. But what made it even more special was being part of a broader movement of Canadian women excelling on the world stage. That year, women won 18 of Canada’s 24 Olympic medals—75% of the total. It was incredible to stand alongside so many strong, talented women who were proving what we’ve always known: when given the opportunity, women in sport rise to the occasion.
To be part of that success, to contribute to a moment that inspired the next generation of young girls watching at home, was just as meaningful as standing on the podium itself.
What about your proudest achievement since you retired from Sport? As a mother, someone who works in Sport and volunteers her time as President of AthletesCAN.
I’m a proud mom to a strong-willed, independent, and incredibly kind-hearted 2.5-year-old daughter, and I’m also expecting my second child. Watching my daughter grow and helping shape the person she is becoming is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
At the same time, I’m so grateful to still be deeply involved in sport—working with Rowing Canada Aviron and serving as the President of AthletesCAN, where I have the opportunity to help amplify athlete voices and stories. Sport gave me so much, and being able to give back in a meaningful way, is something I take great pride in. While standing on the Olympic podium was an unforgettable moment, being part of the ongoing work to improve the sport system for future generations is just as fulfilling in a different way.
The 2025 theme for International Women’s Day is “Accelerate Action”. What does that mean to you in the context of Canadian Sport and as the leader of AthletesCAN?
“Accelerate Action” means that we can’t afford to wait for change to happen slowly. We need to be intentional and proactive in advancing gender equity—not just in participation but in leadership, funding, coaching opportunities, and safe sport initiatives. As the leader of AthletesCAN, it’s about ensuring that athletes’ voices are not only heard, but acted upon.
Why do we need more women in leadership?
When women hold leadership roles in sport—whether as athletes, coaches, executives, or officials—it shows young girls and women that they belong in these spaces too.
As a young rower, I trained out of the same boathouse as the women’s national rowing team at the time. Seeing them day in and day out when I went to practice—watching their work ethic, their dedication, and the way they carried themselves—showed me that the dream of going to the Olympics wasn’t out of reach. It wasn’t just something that happened to otherpeople; it was possible for someone like me. That experience shaped my belief in what I could achieve, and it’s a perfect example of why representation in sport matters so much.
More women in leadership means more perspectives at the decision-making table, stronger mentorship networks, and a culture that values inclusivity. It’s not just about fairness; it’s about building a sport system that empowers everyone to thrive.
About AthletesCAN
AthletesCAN, the association of Canada’s national team athletes, is the only fully independent and most inclusive athlete organization in the country and the first organization of its kind in the world. As the voice of over 6,000 current and recently retired Canadian national team athletes, AthletesCAN membership spans 68 sports across the Olympic, Paralympic, Pan/Parapan American, and Commonwealth Games, and those currently funded by Sport Canada competing at Senior World Championships. AthletesCAN ensures an athlete-centered sport system by developing athlete leaders who influence sport policy and, as role models, inspire a strong sport culture, through educational resources, support, training and professional development.
Follow the #AthleteVoice on social @AthletesCAN
For more information, please contact:
Alicia Renaud-Paquin
Manager, Athlete Relations & Marketing
AthletesCAN
613-526-4025 Ext. 224
[email protected]
