Nanaimo's Hudson Palmer is a finalist for the RBC Training Ground program, which looks to support the development of young athletes towards their Olympic ambitions. (Dylan Harten)

By Alex Rawnsley

golden opportunity

Nanaimo student on the cusp of earning place at Olympic-level training program

Sep 26, 2025 | 5:32 AM

NANAIMO — Hudson Palmer was perfectly comfortable gliding through the water, but now he’s making strides on top of it.

The 16-year-old student at Nanaimo District Secondary School, and swimmer turned rower, is a finalist for RBC Training Ground, an elite-level nationwide talent search sponsored by the Canadian Olympic Committee.

After an initial round of testing involving over 2,500 athletes, Palmer was recently notified he’s made the final shortlist and will again show his talents at the end of next month.

“The first round of testing is basic testing that can be applied to all the sports that have connections with RBC. They measure your height, your wingspan and that’s good for rowing if you have a very long wingspan. There’s a vertical (jump) test, a pull scale…a 40 metre dash then lastly there was an endurance test, the beep test.”

Coming to the attention of international-level sports programs was the direct result of a change in sports.

plan ahead

Sailing alerts and other tools expanding ahead of busy long weekend on BC Ferries

5m ago

dry march

March storms drench much of coastal B.C., save the Nanaimo area

15h ago

pain at the pumps

'Not looking real good:' B.C. has highest average gas price in Canada

19h ago

Palmer had competed at a provincial level in swimming since 2017, his career highlighted by a second place finish in the 100 metre breaststroke in 2022.

However a recent, and objective, look at his current place and future ambitions revealed a potential issue.

“This past summer, I think it kind of hit me that I’m going into my grade 12 year and as much as I would like swimming to work out, I have a few friends who are on the varsity team for swimming, I didn’t realistically see myself getting there in the time that I needed to. It was a hard decision but I decided it would be more fun to try and explore new things.”

(Dylan Harten)

Enter rowing.

Pushed by some contacts through the RBC Training Ground program, along with friends and coaches at the University of Victoria (UVic), Palmer began getting on the water more instead of in it.

The switch paid off and he took to the sport quickly, despite an apparent mismatch in the skill sets required to compete at a high level.

“I’ve been told swimmers make the best rowers and part of that is just because of how similar the movements are. It’s lots of repetitive motion, swimmers also have lots of early mornings like rowers do. They’re very aware of their bodies and can make lots of small tweaks and that’s super helpful for a rowing coach, to be that teachable.”

Palmer’s opportunity to be part of the RBC Training Ground program, which would involve funding for his sporting endeavours, comes beginning Oct. 31 where he’ll again be put through his paces.

Endurance training is high on his list between now and then, along with following a rowing-specific training program outlined by UVic.

While his focus is firmly on the here and now, he can’t help but look ahead to potential Olympic opportunities in Los Angeles in 2028 and Brisbane, Australia in 2032.

“It’s hard to think that far ahead, especially with the stuff that’s coming but it would honestly be so cool to go travel to one of those places. It’s definitely on the board, but obviously looking even closer to next month, the goal is to be one of those top 30 people that get the funding from RBC.”

What is certain is Palmer completing his grade 12 year at NDSS, before moving to Victoria to begin a mechanical engineering degree at UVic.

It’s a move which is hoped to pay dividends on the water and in the classroom.

“UVic is somewhat close to home, so I can always take a little road trip back home if I feel homesick and it’s the rowing capital of Canada, all the national rowing centres are in Victoria, which is great. It’s just a great opportunity.”

He advised any young athlete, hyper-focused on their goals, to at least entertain other opportunities.

“Even if you’re scared to try it, and leave your sport, just go for it. You might find that the sport you thought you were good at, you might find another sport you’re even better at and you enjoy even more.”

Money received from the RBC Training Ground program is administered by sport-specific organizations and can be used for things like coaching, transportation, equipment and nutrition needs for athletes.

Local news. Delivered. Free. Subscribe to our daily news wrap and get our top local stories delivered to your email inbox every evening.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

Follow us on: Twitter (X) | Bluesky | Facebook