Canadian Olympic Rower Jenny Casson S3 Episode 20

This week’s guest, Jenny (Joan) Casson, is a two-time Olympian who competed in the lightweight double sculls at both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Games — and she’s a two-time world-record holder on the ergometer. Her event, the two-person lightweight sculling race, has been described as “one of the most physically demanding and technically precise disciplines in all of rowing.”

But what makes Jenny’s story truly remarkable is everything she endured — and everything she chose to fight for — on her way to the top. Jenny is a warrior, an advocate, and a reminder of what it looks like to pursue excellence while navigating immense adversity. She speaks with raw honesty about her battle with an eating disorder, the toll of multiple surgeries, and her determination to ensure an abusive coach was stopped from harming others. Her journey is one of courage, conviction, and the relentless pursuit of something better.

And now, after closing the chapter on her Olympic career, Jenny is candid about the challenge of “being done” and finding purpose beyond rowing. She’s also turned her lived experience into innovation, co-founding Daylilie Bras, an apparel company filling a void in the market. 

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Game Changers. We hope you found inspiration and motivation in the stories of resilience and adversity shared by our incredible guests. Remember, no matter what challenges you face, your ability to overcome them lies within. Stay resilient and keep pushing forward towards your goals. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with others who may benefit from these powerful stories.