Derek O'Farrell is headed to his first Olympics with a thirst for team success.  It was his thirst for a free beer that first led him to the rowing basin.

O'Farrell spent 5 years with the McGill Redmen rowing team having never touched an oar before moving to Montreal to pursue his science degree.

When Derek and buddy were handed a coupon for a free beer if they tried out for the rowing team, they gave it a shot as much motivated by the promise of the golden elixir as any hope to compete for gold medals.

After medalling at Worlds, O'Farrell is headed to his first Olympic Games, and tells Rick Moffat (his "Uncle Rick"---eldest boy of Rick's sister Jan) about the highs and lows that have already been overcome.

Like every one of Canada's Olympians, they have already proven they are winners.