Jake Wetzel placed seventh with the men's fours U.S. squad at the 2000 Olympic Games. Wetzel has dual citizenship because his father is American. He decided to return to Canada in 2003. Lured by the presence of coaching legend Mike Spracklen, he helped Canada win the gold medal in men's fours at the world championships last year.
A gifted athlete, Wetzel is a former member of the Canadian national junior cycling team and also competed at the 1994 world mountain bike championships. His sister Emily is a former member of the Canadian national women's basketball team and his parents are professors at the University of Saskatchewan.
Two years ago, Wetzel was involved in s serious accident when he was buried by an avalanche at Rogers Pass in B.C., while skiing with friends. Both shoulders were separated and he underwent surgery to save his rowing career. He needed nearly a full year of rehab.
