Mercuri to Compete in U23 World Rowing Championships

IOWA CITY, Iowa – Sophomore Hailey Mercuri was selected to compete for Canada in the U23 World Rowing Championships in Varese, Italy.

The Ontario native was previously accepted to try out for a roster spot on the U23 Canadian National Team back in the spring. Mercuri, as one of the qualifying rowers, will now have a chance to compete with and against the world’s best in her age bracket.

“The boat is going very well and I am learning new things everyday in an overall and very fun, positive atmosphere,” Mercuri says, “I am excited to visit Italy and am ready to keep up the hard work until race day arrives.”

The international competition officially begins on July 25, with training sessions in Italy starting on July 15.

“I am incredibly excited for Hailey and this opportunity for her to represent Canada at the U23 World Championships. From my first conversation with her this has been a very important goal, and to see her get to this level is really awesome,” says Iowa Head Coach Jeff Garbutt, “She’s an incredible example of what setting goals and believing in yourself can do.”

Mercuri was part of the Hawkeyes’ Varsity Eight boat which won Big Ten Boat of the Week honors, and helped Iowa earn two boat wins during the 2022 season.