Will Crothers

Biography

Will Crothers was a member of the men’s eight that won silver at London 2012. After that he competed primarily with the four for many years, winning World Cup bronze in Lucerne in 2014, which was followed by a fifth place finish at the world championships. In 2015, Crothers and the “True North Four” won another World Cup bronze in Varese, Italy, before narrowly missing the world championship podium with their fourth place finish. In between, he won two gold medals at the 2015 Pan Am Games in Toronto as a member of the four and the eight.

At Rio 2016, Crothers and the four advanced to the A final, finishing sixth. In 2017, Crothers competed in the pair at the World Cup in Lucerne but then did not appear in another international event until the second World Cup of the 2019 season. Back with the eight, they won bronze at that World Cup followed by a second-place finish in the B final at the 2019 World Championships. 

In May 2021, Crothers was back in the four for the final Olympic qualification regatta for Tokyo 2020. With Crothers in the stroke seat, the crew finished second to secure their spot at the Games. Crothers and his teammates finished second in the B final of the four at Tokyo 2020. 

Crothers has been competing internationally for Canada since 2004 when he made his first appearance at the world junior championships, winning bronze in the coxed four. After progressing to the U23 level, he won gold and silver with the eight in 2006 and 2008, respectively. Since joining the senior team, he has won two world championship medals, most notably a bronze with the eight in 2011. 

Crothers was a member of the varsity crew at the University of Washington, capturing the freshman title at the 2006 Intercollegiate Rowing Association Championships. As a sophomore and junior he stroked the varsity eight to undefeated regular seasons in consecutive years, winning the PAC-10 in 2007 and 2008 and the IRA Championships in 2007.

A Little More About Will

Getting into the Sport: Began rowing at age 14… Has jokingly claimed his undefeated novice season is the highlight of his rowing career…  Outside Interests: Graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Geography… Enjoys woodworking, cycling, yoga, skiiing… Would like to become a firefighter… Odds and Ends: Favourite quote: “Be the change you wish to see in the world”… Says that Mike Spracklen, the coach of the 2012 men’s eight, had a huge role in shaping his life as an athlete…