Buffy Alexander had a good laugh this spring when she read newspaper reports that she was the new star on the Canadian team. Alexander had fought a valiant battle to the end for a spot in the women's pairs but lost the seat to Theresa Luke. However she'll race in the women's eights crews.

 "The fight for that spot was a positive experience in the end for me," said Alexander, who started rowing at age 17 in high school. "It was great racing. It's hard not to be disappointed because I wanted to win but I performed well."

 At 23, Alexander is one of the youngest stars for sure however she draws on plenty of international experience. She has competed in the eights at every world championships since 1997.

 "It was hilarious to read how I came out of nowhere after the trials, but I put myself on the same plane as my teammates now. We're all feeling the pressure together and that should make us stronger."

 Alexander is not the first star athlete in the family. Her father Claire Alexander was a defenceman for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canuck in the NHL during the 1970's.


2000 Games
Sept. 24: Women's eight: Heather McDermid, Calgary; Heather Davis, Vancouver; Dorota Urbaniak, Toronto; Theresa Luke, 100 Mile House, B.C.; Emma Robinson, Winnipeg; Alison Korn, Nepean, Ont.; Laryssa Biesenthal, Walkerton, Ont.; Buffy Alexander, St. Catharines, and Lesley Thompson, London, Ont., won bronze in women's eights finals.
Sept. 20: Women's eight: Heather McDermid, Calgary; Heather Davis, Vancouver; Dorota Urbaniak, Toronto; Theresa Luke, 100 Mile House, B.C.; Emma Robinson, Winnipeg; Alison Korn, Nepean, Ont.; Laryssa Biesenthal, Walkerton, Ont.; Buffy Alexander, St. Catharines, and Lesley Thompson, London, Ont., placed second in repechage heat, advanced to final.
Sept. 18: Women's eight: Heather McDermid, Calgary; Heather Davis, Vancouver; Dorota Urbaniak, Toronto; Theresa Luke, 100 Mile House, B.C.; Emma Robinson, Winnipeg; Alison Korn, Nepean, Ont.; Laryssa Biesenthal, Walkerton, Ont.; Buffy Alexander, St. Catharines, and Lesley Thompson, London, Ont., were second in heat, dropped to repechage.

Photos
Canadian rowers show off their bronze medals
Canadian rowers wave from the podium
Dorota Urbaniak is embraced by Heather McDermid
Dorota Urbaniak, Theresa Luke and Emma Robinson
Dorota Urbaniak is kissed by fiancee Rob Makurat

2000 Games Rowing Coverage