Rowing Canada Aviron (RCA) is proud to celebrate the remarkable career of Kasia Gruchalla-Wesierski, who has announced her retirement from the Canadian National Team. At 34, Kasia leaves behind a legacy of resilience, determination, and excellence that has inspired teammates, coaches, and fans across the country.

“Rowing was the pathway to achieving my wildest dreams, meeting some of my closest friends, and exposing my biggest strengths,” says Kasia.

Born in Montreal, Quebec, and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Kasia’s athletic journey began not on the water, but on the slopes. A highly competitive alpine skier, she pursued her dream at the highest level until a broken leg forced her to step away from the sport.

Refusing to let the injury define her trajectory in sport, Kasia turned her focus to rowing at the age of 23, joining the Calgary Rowing Club. Her natural talent and relentless drive quickly propelled her into the sport’s elite ranks.

Despite missing the U23 pathway, Kasia persevered and earned her place on the Senior National Team, making her international debut in 2018. Just one year later, she captured her first World Cup medal, a bronze in the Women’s Eight (W8+) at the 2019 World Cup in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Kasia’s career reached new heights at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Selected to the W8+, her Olympic dream was nearly derailed by a serious cycling accident just weeks before competition, leaving her with a broken collarbone, 56 stitches, and extensive injuries.

Through sheer determination and with the support of her coaches and teammates, Kasia fought her way back, reclaiming her seat in the boat after only five weeks of recovery. Her perseverance was rewarded with a historic gold medal in the Women’s Eight; Canada’s first Olympic gold in women’s rowing since 1996.

Kasia continued to build on her success, becoming a cornerstone of the Canadian W8+ and a consistent force on the international stage. Her career culminated again at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where she and her crew, Jessica Sevick, Caileigh Filmer, Maya Meschkuleit, Avalon Wasteneys, Sydney Payne, Kristina Walker, Abby Dent, and coxswain Kristen Kit, captured a silver medal.

“I am so grateful to everyone who believed in us and supported this team, and to those who supported me as an individual. I hope to leave the sport better than I found it and continue to develop the sport in a new capacity.”

Beyond her medals and various achievements, Kasia will be remembered for her grit and unwavering commitment to her teammates. Her journey from alpine skiing to Olympic rowing champion is a testament to her resilience and passion for sport.

Following her career in rowing, Kasia is now coaching at the Calgary Rowing Club, and she recently accepted a work position at the University of Calgary. She will also be in Cortina this year, supporting winter athletes at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics as an Athlete Services Officer (ASO) with the COC.

“I hope I continue to make a positive impact not only in rowing but in Canadian Sport,” says Kasia.

Thank you, Kasia, for leaving an indelible mark on Canadian rowing.