This July, two Gaels represented Canada at one of the largest multi-sport events in the world.
Ceilidh MacDonald, MSc ‘26, and Miles Brackenbury, MA ’25, both wore the Maple Leaf while competing at the 2025 FISU Summer Games in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany. MacDonald competed for Canada at the Women’s Four, placing 5th with a time of 7:28.56. Brackenbury competed at the Half-Marathon, finishing 32nd with a time of 1:08.32.
READ MORE: Miles Brackenbury to represent Canada at FISU Summer World University Games
MacDonald won bronze with Canada last year at the FISU World Championships in the same event, and as a Gael, she’s coming off back-to-back OUA championships as part of a dominant Queen’s rowing program. In a statement to The Journal, MacDonald describes it as “an honour” to represent Queen’s and Canada on the international stage. She looks back at her experience at not one, but two FISU events with appreciation, writing, “the opportunity to meet so many other student-athletes in a multitude of disciplines and academic programs is unlike anything I’ve experienced.”
MacDonald expressed gratitude for her teammates at the competition as they “rose to the occasion” when needed, adding the experience inspires her to bring the same edge to Kingston this year as Queen’s aims for an OUA three-peat in rowing.
For Brackenbury, making his debut on the international stage caps off an incredible comeback. He’s less than a year removed from a gruelling bout with ankylosing spondylitis—an ailment that causes long-term inflammation of the joints and ligaments in the spine. Almost immediately after a six-month absence, he helped the Gaels capture Gold at Nationals and represented his country on the international stage. In fact, despite the absence, Brackenbury beat his personal best by thirty seconds at the competition.
“Making my international debut was exhilarating,” Brackenbury wrote in a statement to The Journal. “It was amazing to meet athletes from around the world who share the same love for the sport and who share the dream of competing at this level.”
Reflecting on his comeback, Brackenbury admitted he was still in disbelief, writing, “I still can’t quite believe how far I have come from a year ago when I could barely walk, let alone run.” Brackenbury expresses gratitude for his family, doctors, and the athletic therapists at the ARC. “To me, this is a reminder that you never know what is around the corner. Cherish every moment and be hopeful for the next,” he said.
Looking ahead, Brackenbury will coach running at Kingston Secondary School this fall while also competing at the provincial and national club cross-country championships. “Plus, you can find me enjoying the process, running with friends around K-Town,” he said.
As both athletes return to Kingston, their international experiences add momentum to programs already chasing continued dominance at the OUA and national levels.
The Queen’s rowing program will begin its quest for a third OUA championship in a row on Oct 4 in Peterborough, ON., as they compete in Head of the Trent.
Queen’s Cross Country team will race to defend their National title this year, starting with their season opener at the Hoffman Invitational in Canton, NY.
Tags
Ceilidh MacDonald, FISU Summer Games, Half-marathon, Miles Brackenbury, Rowing
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