Congratulations Meghan Musnicki ’05n, Olympic Gold Medalist!

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James Aulenback, Sports Graphics

Meghan Musnicki '05n rowed for St. Lawrence as a first year student in 2001-02.

Aug. 27: St. Lawrence University, the athletic department and the men's and women's crew programs congratulate Meghan Musnicki '05n on winning gold in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London in the women's eight. 

Musnicki came to St. Lawrence in the fall of 2001 hoping to land a spot on the women's basketball team.  However, a chance encounter with Director of Rowing Nick Hughes led to the beginning of what is now an illustrious rowing career. 

"I fondly remember Meghan as unparalleled in her intensity, with a real passion for the sport of rowing, even as a novice," said Hughes.  "I'm proud that St. Lawrence played some small role in her extraordinary rowing career."

Musnicki transferred to Ithaca in her sophomore year to be closer to her family following the tragic loss of her father.  She would earn her degree from Ithaca College in 2005 after leading the Bombers to back-to-back NCAA Championships in her final two seasons.

"While her drive and dedication are certainly immense, Meghan's accomplishments stand both as a testament to the things that people can accomplish when the commit themselves and as a reminder of the life-changing impact of the experiences afforded to college student-athletes," added Coach Hughes.

Musnicki rowed in gold-medal winning boats at the 2011 World Rowing Championships and is in her first year with the U.S. Olympic team. The women's eight posted a gold medal-winning time of 6:10.59, defeating Canada and the Netherlands.

Musnicki and the women's eight have been featured in the weeks following the Olympics, including an interview on NBC's "The Today Show."  Meanwhile, Coach Hughes and the Saints return to campus this week, with the 2012-13 season on the horizon.

"Thanks to Meghan's truly amazing story, when I look at the new crop of novice oarswomen this week, it'll be hard not to wonder if I might be seeing the face of another future Olympian," said Coach Hughes.