Darcy Marquardt

Part of Darcy's inspiration was watching Elizabeth Manley's silver medal performance on TV during the 1988 Calgary Olympic Games. Darcy has used her sporting success to motivate and inspire others to be their best.

Richmond Roots Darcy grew up in Richmond where she attended Whiteside Elementary and McRoberts Secondary. As an active, child Darcy was involved with softball, figure skating and cosom hockey. Swimming lessons led to becoming a lifeguard in Richmond, and in 1997 she worked at the opening day of Watermania

Did You Know Darcy is married to two-time Canadian Olympic swimmer Richard Hortness. Together they have three children.

Barriers Overcome Darcy moved to Ontario to train three times a day, six days a week at the National Training Centre. She did not make the team the first year, but persevered, and the following year won a medal at the World Championships.

Recognition Darcy has had an outstanding career and has been recognized at all levels. From winning the University of Victoria's 1999 Rowing Rookie of the Year award as a freshman, to being nominated twice (in 2006 and 2012) for the Canadian Sports Team of the Year. She also received the Richmond Sports Awards Sportsperson of the Year in 2006.

Contribution to Richmond Sport Darcy has been a KidSport ambassador since 2009. She was Rowing Canada's female athlete representative from 2005 to 2012, and on the Rowing BC's Board of Directors from 2014 to 2016. She is a former "Esteem Team" motivational speaker.