Racing in heat!

Whatever the outcome may be, it has been such an incredible experience so far. The sheer level of competition and professionalism shown in every event is something unique and a true first for me, a whole class above any World Championship. So, as our boat and others prepare for the last race of the Games, instead of feeling the weight of our own and others’ expectations, we plan to do what we’ve been waiting for, to simply race hard.

Thank you to everyone who has supported any athlete at any point along the way. I was talking with my teammate Erin Cafaro the other day, and while this journey can be considered selfish and at times very lonely, it is our support groups that help us get through difficulties and achieve our best when it counts. It definitely is a group effort through and through.

Here we go! Go USA!

-Taylor

Our annual college uni day photo

Although most of Team USA has been here for about a week and a half, I still feel like we just got here. Things have definitely picked up since last I wrote. There are foreign athletes everywhere. The dining halls, especially in the morning, are crazy. There is literally no food left and the poor dining hall staff have to restock as quickly as possible for the inevitable late morning influx. The bus lines are also so busy that each time of departure needs at least two buses. The LOCOG workers and volunteers are just awesome. They couldn’t be friendlier and are really on top of their game, even the guards say hello. The course has been packed as well, we had to wait awhile to do practice starts yesterday, but we got to race the Great Britain Men’s Quad and the Canadian Men’s Eight off the line, so we weren’t complaining. While there were quite a few things under construction at Eton Dorney Lake when we first arrived, you can’t tell now. The place is ready to rock and roll.

Due to the fact that racing begins tomorrow, no rowers will be walking in the Opening Ceremonies. This is common for those athletes who compete in the first week. Since we don’t have the opportunity to show off our official Opening Ceremonies outfit by Ralph Lauren, I think a bunch of us are planning to dress up tonight at dinner and while we watch the Ceremonies from our rooms. It’s easy to get caught up in all the excitement surrounding such an incredible event, the palpable energy around everywhere you go and the many articles constantly popping up online. It makes sitting in your room difficult that’s for sure. However, there’s nowhere I’d rather be right now than getting ready to race. We are given very few chances to race internationally in our sport, so any opportunity whether it is at the Royal Henley or the Olympic Games, is a chance to see what you and your teammates are capable of.

Thank you for your support of the NRF and here’s to fast American boats!!

-Taylor

The men’s 8+ and women’s 1x arrive today, so we’re almost all here (with the exception of the men’s 4x and men’s 4-). There are tents set up at the course for every country next to the boathouse and I ventured out there yesterday to see what they were like. They are actually really cool, they have carpet-covered wood floors, glass doors and cots for us to sleep in. They also included mats and USRowing brought along some watt bikes. Since no one is really around, it is a nice quiet place to relax in between rows. Another awesome perk is all the free Coca-Cola products. They have Diet Coke, Coke, Coke Zero (my favorite), Sprite Zero and Powerade everywhere you go. I usually try not to drink much soda, especially before racing, but it’s hard to resist when it’s everywhere!

 -Taylor

While waking up this morning wasn’t as easy as it usually is, I didn’t feel as bad as I thought I would after such a big day. We ate breakfast in the Village and then made our way to the course, which took a lot less time than we had expected. Eton Dorney Lake really is incredible. The venue is beautiful; there are Olympic rings, signs and mascots everywhere. The boathouse is the nicest boathouse I’ve ever rowed out of that’s for sure. We decided to stay at the course in between rows because of the distance back to the Olympic Rowing Village, so we ate lunch there and rested in the Athlete Lounge. While I really like the energy around a big regatta with all the other foreign athletes around, it was very peaceful to be one of the only teams there. We had the run of the place, so we made ourselves comfortable. The two things I took away from the course were that it’s chilly out there and that there will be wind, most likely a crosswind. Nothing we haven’t seen before, but it’s good to accept it and learn to ignore it. So far, there’s really nothing to complain about. It feels like we have a ton of time before racing, but I know it will go by quickly! I’m off to bed now, but look for more updates soon! I’m so grateful and excited to be here, Team USA wouldn’t be here without your support of the NRF, thank you!