Michael Braithwaite of the University of Toronto Varsity Blues was recognized by rowing’s national governing body at the 29th annual Rowing Canada awards program on December 5, 2009 in Vancouver, B.C.

The fifth-year cognitive science major was presented with the Hanlan Keller award for his achievements as a promising, developing rower. The award was established in memory of Thomas Keller, president of Fédération Internationale des Sociétés d'Aviron (FISA) for many years.

Rowing Canada also awarded Braithwaite with the international achievement award for his bronze-medal performance at the 2009 FISA world championship regatta in the Czach Republic last summer.

In addition, the Duncan, B.C. native was recognized among 2009 national champions for his first-place finish in the men’s heavyweight single at the 2009 Canadian under-23 championships.

Among his many accomplishments this season, Braithwaite was the 2009 OUA men’s single champion and was also named the oarsman of the year at the 2009 Canadian University Rowing Championships (CURC) for his dominant gold-medal performance in the men’s open single.

For more information, scores and highlights on your favourite Toronto teams, please visit the home of the Varsity Blues at http://www.varsityblues.ca.