row2k wraps up our spring collegiate features with Wisconsin lightweight coxswain Tenzin Khangkar. Khangkar came to the USA with her family from Tibet and got her start in rowing at Row New York prior to coxing the Wisconsin LW4+ to the IRA title in 2014.
row2k - You were born overseas, what is your background and how did you make your way to the United States?
Tenzin Khangkar - I came to the US with my family who left Tibet in search of freedom and safety. The journey for freedom and human rights started three generations ago when the Chinese and Tibet conflict began in 1959. My grandparents sought out a temporary haven in Nepal to escape the growing oppressive violence. The situation in Nepal is relatively better for Tibetans than it is in China. However, Tibetans have struggled for political status in their homeland. In 2006 my parents decided to move to the United States in hopes of finding a safe community where one’s voice can be heard and the rights of every being are equally protected.
row2k - How did you get your start in rowing and how did you find your way into coxing at Wisconsin?
Tenzin Khangkar -During my health class in high school, representatives from an organization, “Row New York” came in to recruit students for their rowing team tryouts. I was unfamiliar with the sport but decided to give it a try since I was not presented with this sort of opportunity in Nepal. When I tried out for the team, I felt a sense of belonging in the rowing community. The coaches and staff worked hard to help NYC public high school students be part of a sport that isn’t readily available to them.
Since I have no direct contact with Tibet, one of my constant struggles has always been defining and finding my identity. With this organization, I began to redefine my identity and figure out simple things such as my likes/dislikes. My college advisor from Row New York chose me for the Posse Foundation Scholarship, which selects students based on their academic and leadership skills. The scholarship and my love of the sport were the reasons why I decided to attend UW-Madison. However, I wasn’t entirely sure if I wanted to continue to row in college. I felt this way until I attended the open house for UW-Madison Rowing. I immediately felt a connection and decided to continue. Rowing always pushes me in the right directions and shapes me in positive ways.
row2k - What do you like most about the sport of rowing?
Tenzin Khangkar -My favorite part of the sport of rowing is definitely the team aspect. Everyone needs to work together and put trust in the team’s dynamics to reach a common goal. The goal is to win championships but the journey to reach this goal is important as well. We learn, grow and build ourselves during this journey to continuously lead us on the right path.
row2k - What has been your most memorable race so far and why?
Tenzin Khangkar -My most memorable race so far has been the 2014 IRA women’s 4+ race. I felt incredible after crossing the finish line! I remember our team being behind in the race. It was my duty as a coxswain to push my crew beyond their threshold to achieve the win we desired. During that race, we worked together really well. Our team responded precisely to all of my calls and we went beyond our comfort zone. We were resilient and came out with the win!
row2k - How has this season gone?
Tenzin Khangkar -Last semester I studied abroad in London, so I missed our fall rowing season. Upon returning, I wasn’t entirely sure how our winter season would go for me. I am happy to say that this season has been one of best yet! Everyone is incredibly driven and hungrier this year. The team is gaining speed. Our squad also has a lot of freshman talent this year.
row2k - How bad has the winter been in Madison so far? When do you think the lake will thaw?
Tenzin Khangkar -The winter in Madison has been surprisingly okay. It’s not -40F like it was last year. I’m hoping the lake will thaw in early April.
row2k - What are you studying at Wisconsin and do you have any plans yet for after college?
Tenzin Khangkar -I’m currently studying biochemistry and plan to go to dental school. I am also thinking about doing a gap year program to work aboard in under-served communities.
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