Athlete

Brian Thorne - 2021 Hall of Fame Inductee

Brian Thorne
Induction Year: 2021 
Category: Athlete

Brian Thorne was one of Canada’s top rowers throughout his lengthy national team career which stretched from the mid-1970’s to the late 1980’s. He represented Canada on every possible stage and put together an impressive career that included competing in nine World Championships and two Pan American Games.

“When I started rowing in 1968, never did I dream that I would be receiving this honour,” said Thorne. “An award such as this doesn’t come without a lot of support. In my case, my wife Chris, has been there every step (and stroke) of the way. Our daughter Vanessa helped out, first as a cheerleader and then, as a partner in crime, as we continue to row together. My singles coach, Bill Russell, was there for me as a mentor and provided support and encouragement for 16 years. I often think back to his words as I left for the start in Bled ‘You’ve done all the work, now go out and have fun’. I continue to embrace and share that quote after 54 years in a boat.”

After finishing his grade nine year in the summer of 1968, Thorne got his start in rowing at the St. Catharines Rowing Club. He was offered a chance to be in the bow seat or the coxie seat in the men’s junior 135lb eight B boat and chose the bow. The decision turned out to be the right one as he would go on to have one of the most successful careers of any Canadian rower. Thorne competed as a lightweight throughout his elite career and was a true trailblazer, winning Canada’s first ever men’s World Championship medal and first ever lightweight World Championship medal at the 1979 World Rowing Championships in Bled, Yugoslavia. He won a silver in men’s lightweight single sculls and would pick up another World Championship medal in the same event, this time a bronze, two years later in Munich Germany after a year off due to knee surgery. He was nominated by CARA / RCA as their choice for the Canadian Male Athlete of the Year for 1981.

Thorne would experience more success at the highest levels of the sport throughout the 1980’s, punctuated by a gold medal in the lightweight double with partner John Murphy at the 1987 Pan American Games in Indianapolis. Thorne’s love of competition was evident throughout his rowing career, as he not only competed at the highest international levels of the sport but was also regular at both regional and national events. His first Henley medal came in 1970 and starting in 1972, he competed with Western at the Head of Trent, an incredible 49 straight years. He also competed in 40 of 42 Head of the Martindale regattas in his hometown of St. Catharines since its inaugural year in 1978 and competed in his 45th straight Head of the Charles in 2019, teaming with his daughter Vanessa in the parent-child double, only missing 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Off the regatta course Thorne has contributed to rowing in every way possible in several different roles, including coach, umpire, mentor, and board member. He is a Level 2 NCCP certified coach, has served as the Membership Director on the SCRC Board of Directors since 1995, became a licensed umpire in 2008 and has served as Director at Large for St. Catharines World Rowing since 2015. Thorne has always demonstrated a passion and commitment to rowing, with longevity and a record of excellence as an athlete that is truly exemplary.

Career Highlights:

  • Competed in 9 World Rowing Championships:
    • Silver medal in 1979 in lightweight men’s single sculls
    • Bronze medal in 1981 in lightweight men’s single sculls
    • The silver medal in 1979 was the first ever men’s World Championship medal and the first ever lightweight World Championship medal for Canada
  • Gold medal at the 1987 Pan American Games in the lightweight double with partner John Murphy
  • In addition to international regattas, always competed at local and regional throughout and after National Team career:
    • Won first Royal Canadian Henley medal in 1970
    • Competed in an incredible 49 straight Head of the Trent regattas
    • Competed in 40 of 42 Head of the Martindale regattas in hometown of St. Catharines
    • Competed in 45 straight Head of the Charles regattas