Fredericton- born Jane Thornton was drawn to the mighty Saint John river as a 14-year-old student at Fredericton High School, she represented her school, city and province before spending a decade on the water as a member of Canada’s national rowing team. Early success at the 2002 World University Rowing Championships (double sculls gold; single sculls silver) and Commonwealth Rowing Championships (single and quadruple sculls gold) set Thornton on a promising course. Together with pairs partner Darcy Marquardt, she raced an undefeated international season in 2006, setting a Canadian record time that stood for 12 years and claiming victory at that year’s World Rowing Championship. In 2007 the duo qualified for the 2008 Olympics. Called in to help qualify the eight as well, Thornton stroked that crew to fourth at the Beijing Games. Rowing Canada Aviron (RCA) has presented Thornton with three major awards: the RCA Centennial Medal, the RCA International Achievement Award, and the organization’s highest honour, the RCA Award of Merit.