[1] A graduate of the University of Western Ontario, McBean competed at the 1992 Summer Olympics in the coxless pairs and eights events, winning gold medals in both.

[3] With her long-time rowing partner Kathleen Heddle, she was the first Canadians to win three Olympic Gold medals.

[4][citation needed] In addition to her other exploits, McBean won a Silver medal in the prestigious single scull event at the 1993 World Rowing Championships.

[5][citation needed] At the 2000 Sydney Olympics, McBean was set to represent Canada in the single scull and she had hoped to win a fourth gold medal.

[10] She has been appointed as chef de mission of Canada's team at the 2020 Olympic Games, to be held in Tokyo.