While many national team rowers start their careers once they reach University, Marnie was hooked after attending a learn-to-row course at the Toronto Argonaut Club. Natural talent and dedication earned her a bronze medal at the 1986 World Junior Championships a year later. Less than five years into her career, Marnie represented Canada at the 1992 Olympic Games and brought home two Olympic Gold Medals.

Looking for a new challenge in 1993, Marnie began competing against Silken Laumann in the single scull event. After winning the silver medal at the World Championships in 1993, and becoming World Cup Champion in 1994, Marnie teamed up with her previous pairs partner Kathleen Heddle and together they won the 1995 World Championships, double scull event.

Teamed again in 1996 for the Summer Olympics, Marnie and Kathleen won the Gold medal in the Double Sculls and a bronze in the quad. In 1998, adding a silver and bronze to her collection, Marnie became the first rower to have a medal in every boat class.

When Marnie is not competing, she is a very active supporter and true ambassador of her sport. Marnie started a campaign in 1996 called the Fund for Olympic Rower Survival (F.O.R.S.), designed to financially assist rowers who are training for the Olympics.

Marnie is the recipient of the Governor General’s Meritorious Service Medal in 1995, and won the YWCA/YMCA 1995 “Women of Distinction Award.” Marnie and her rowing partner, Kathleen Heddle, were inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame in 1997.

Marnie is a volunteer supporter of the Special Olympics, Rosalee Hall and Kids Help Phone. As an accomplished motivational speaker, Marnie has traveled to schools and corporations speaking about her Olympic experience and life as a dedicated Canadian athlete.