Pictured: Carolyn Jaeger (front) and Andrea Mutsaers (back)
September 26, 2025
London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) physiotherapist Carolyn Jaeger has returned from the 2025 World Rowing Masters Regatta in Banyoles, Spain, where she and her teammates from the London Western Rowing Club (LWRC) delivered a standout performance on the international stage. Competing against nearly 750 clubs from around the world, the team secured a 30th-place finish overall.
The regatta, held from September 10 to 14 on the waters of Lake Banyoles, brought together more than 5,400 entries and showcased some of the most experienced rowers in the sport.
Jaeger and the LWRC crew, which included Andrea Mutsaers, Volker Nolte, former olympian Brian Peaker and coach Steve Di Ciacca, trained tirelessly over the past year to build on their previous season’s success in Germany. Their commitment paid off, with the team racing in 10 events and earning eight gold and two silver medals.
Jaeger herself competed in five races, securing three golds and two silvers: two of the golds came from the women’s doubles races with Mutsaers, and the third was earned in the mixed quad alongside Mutsaers, Peaker and Nolte. One silver was awarded for the mixed double with Peaker, and the other for the women’s single sculls.
“This experience was unforgettable,” said Jaeger. “It was physically and emotionally demanding but also deeply rewarding. I’m grateful to have competed alongside this team and so many athletes from around the world.”
That sense of connection extended beyond the regatta. Back in London, Jaeger’s colleagues in the physiotherapy department at University Hospital arrived early, coffee and donuts in hand, to live stream her first race from Spain and cheer her on as a team.
“I’m so grateful to have had the support of my LHSC colleagues,” said Jaeger. “When the PT team sent me photos from their watch party that morning, it brought tears to my eyes to know they were rooting for me. That kind of friendship and support is something I’ll never forget.”
As Jaeger reflects on the regatta, it’s clear that the experience was about more than medals; it was about connection, perseverance and pride. From the cheers on the shores of Lake Banyoles to the early morning watch party back home in London, the support she received was a powerful reminder of the community behind every stroke.
With their sights now set on Slovenia for the 2026 World Rowing Masters Regatta, Jaeger and her LWRC teammates are already back in training. Fueled by their success in Spain and the encouragement of colleagues and friends, they’re more motivated than ever to keep pushing forward, together.