London, ON – It was a long and arduous effort, but a group of ten Mustangs Women's Rowers can now say they are world record holders after completing a one million metre challenge over the weekend.

The hum of the ERG (ergometer) rowing machine started on Thursday morning, and it never stopped until the group surpassed their goal midday on Sunday. The Row to Grown team set out with two goals in mind, Be the first small team of women (10 people), aged 20-29 to row one million meters and have the longest continuous row completed by a small team of women (approx. 75 hours). They completed both tasks this weekend.

The team consisted of Kya Mason-Wetherill, Kira Mels-Williams, Dani Hart, Nadia Junyk, Liv Calbeck, Elaine Liding, Ella Gemin, Caitlin Shouldice, Sydney McArthur, Cam Spivak & Arwyn Gouadec.



 "Early mornings, you're just—every part of your life is flashing back in your mind," said Team Organizer Kya Mason-Wetherill. "The long, sleepless nights weren't just about meters or minutes—they were about something bigger, right now it's kind of all come to one moment. It's crazy, wild, and exciting."

Over the course of 72 hours, the athletes rotated through shifts—rowing, resting, and supporting each other through every hour of exhaustion and doubt. Each pair would take a two hour shift every eight hours. The challenge, called "Row to Grow," was more than a test of endurance. It was a statement.

"It's the power of women, the power of a team, the power of just doing something good in the world," said Mason-Wetherill. "A feat of athleticism which we've all trained for and are proud of ourselves for accomplishing. Hopefully an inspiration to young girls who—stay in sports, do cool things—to other varsity teams, to whoever wants to be inspired to do something good by doing something you're passionate about."



The challenge wasn't just physical. It was deeply personal. It was about proving what a small group of committed women could do when they believed in each other.

"They did a fantastic job. Really excited that they all came together and took on something outside of the usual training and outside of our usual competition schedule." said Mustangs Women's Rowing Head Coach Matt Waddell. "I think it makes a really amazing memory for them and a really defining element of their university experience."

The idea started simple enough—set a goal that would push the team beyond their limits and raise money for causes that mattered to them. But turning that idea into reality was a different story. "The whole process of creating the idea, organizing it—it took so long," said Mason-Wetherill "All of that effort was spread out over such a long time; there was definitely some stress. But the actual physicality of doing it was—it's kind of a whole different ball game. Comparing apples to oranges, but definitely one of the hardest things I've ever done. Organizing seems almost fun in comparison."

Through every hour, the team rotated between rowing and resting, never letting the machine stop. As fatigue set in, the challenge became less about rowing and more about resilience. "Starting off the first few hours, we got this, feeling good," she said. "And we really—the reality hit really hard, really quickly. So we just needed each other. We leaned on each other."



 "With your partner that you're switching with, but with everybody, you know, supporting, watching all the other girls who are in there—we can do this," Kya said. "It's hard, and there was definitely our fair share of, oh my God, what are we doing? Not to sugarcoat it, but it was hard. It was hard. But we always knew that we were going to get through it together. There was never any doubt in our ability to do it as a team. I think that's a really beautiful thing."

What made the challenge even more meaningful was its purpose. The team raised funds for charities that resonated with each athlete, turning every pull on the erg into something that mattered beyond the numbers on the screen. The effort, the pain, the late nights—it all served a greater good.

By the time they reached the final stretch, the exhaustion was matched only by determination. The room was filled with cheers, tears, and the sound of the flywheel spinning one last time. "It's crazy, wild, and exciting," said Mason-Wetherill. "We always knew that we were going to get through it together."



The million-meter row wasn't just a challenge completed. It was a story written—one of empowerment, teamwork, and perseverance.

"About 10 years ago, we had a group of guys take this on, and they set the world record as well, and I think it's subsequently been beaten by a team maybe from Australia. So you know, I mean, give it a few years." said Waddell of the endeavour and whether or not he expects another Mustangs team to attempt it. "I'm sure some other team will take it on, and then maybe in a couple of years there'll be another Western team that'll want to get their name back on the record book."

For now, this group of Mustangs will be able to celebrate and cherish the memory of what they accomplished over three days in late March of 2026.



More information on the causes and overall event can be found HERE