Jennifer Martins

Biography

Jennifer Martins first tried out for the U23 national team in 2011. At the same time, she was in her third year with the varsity team at Western University and was starting her first year of dental school. But her efforts were successful, and she went on to win gold as a member of the eight at the 2011 U23 World Championships. 

She moved up to the senior national team in 2013, winning bronze with the eight at the world championships. In 2014, she competed in both the four and the pair. In 2015 she added a second world championship bronze with the eight but also finished sixth in the pair with Cristy Nurse which qualified the Canadian boat for Rio 2016. 

In her Olympic debut in Rio, Martins competed in the pair with Nicole Hare. She returned to the eight for the 2017 World Championships, winning a silver medal. She contributed to a second straight silver in 2018, bringing her world championship medal total to four. 

At the 2019 World Championships, Martins was in the eight that finished fourth, qualifying the boat for Tokyo 2020. In her second Olympic appearance, Martins competed with the four that made it to the B final. 

A Little More About Jennifer

Getting into the Sport: Started rowing in 2007 when a friend suggested she try out for the novice program in her first month at Western University… Had never heard of the sport before when she was a competitive swimmer and volleyball player… Made Western’s varsity team the following fall… Outside Interests: Earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Western University in 2014… Works as a dentist… Enjoys shopping, swimming, learning…