Read Glenn's original Starting Five questions here!
1. How have you prepared differently for this quadrennial than previous cycles?
After London, I spent some time training on my own and worked full time. I knew before London that I wanted to train for Rio but that a block away from the training center would be beneficial. In no way is training away from the Training Center better, but I wanted a mental breather from the day-to-day grind. Additionally, it was important to work a bit between Olympics. So for 2013 and half of 2014 I was a worker who rowed, then, starting in the fall 2014 I shifted my priority to rowing and worked on the side. The past 18 months I have been exclusively rowing.
2. Did anything completely unexpected happen, or do you have any memorable or unusual stories from your previous Olympiad?
The most unique thing that happened to me last quadrennial was that the London Olympics was my first international sweep regatta. I was on the sculling team racing in the double and quad from 2009-2011. After the 2011 Worlds in Bled, I began sweep rowing with the Training Center. I was selected to row in the four, and since we did not race any world cups that season, the Olympics was my first sweep regatta.
3. Any/Most important advice for first time Olympians?
The most important advice for first time Olympians is to stay focused on the goal and not get caught up in the distractions of the event that is the Olympic Games. There are so many athletes from various sports and its fun to follow along with the progress of Team USA, but the opportunity to race for an Olympic Gold medal only comes once every four years. Years of training and dedication go into racing at the Olympics, so when you get there, do everything in your power to get the best result.
4. What was your state of mind like sitting in the starting block of your first Olympic race?
Excited. We trained all year together to race the Olympics. I was finally here. I had total confidence in every member of the crew and wanted to show the world our speed.
5. What's different this time around/what will you do differently at this Olympics?
I won't do too much differently. I think about London and, in general, we raced well. Our final was a great row, and we earned a bronze medal, however Great Britain and Australia (gold and bronze respectively) blasted off the start in the first 500 meters gaining nearly a boat length lead. This remained the margin throughout the race. In Rio, especially because we are racing in the 8, I want to make sure the crew gets off the line and fights for an early lead.
6. Do you feel older/better/wiser/stronger/other?
I feel ready to go. I couldn't be more excited to race with this group of guys and I'm ready to put some real heat on the stick.
7. Does the phrase "the Olympics" ring differently the next time around?
The Olympics will always bring a great feeling. When I began rowing in high school my goal was to get to the Olympics and to go again is as special as the first one. I wouldn't trade the opportunity to race in Rio for anything else in the world.
8. As far as regattas go, comparing the olympics to different races (Worlds, Lucerne), is it a better or different regatta, or just higher stakes?
The Olympics is the best regatta, hands down. The quality of competition at the regatta is at its peak. The stakes brings out the best in everyone.
For us in the 8 it is an intense regatta. We only have 7 boats so the progression of the heats and rep is to eliminate one boat. That aspect is awesome. All of the races will be super fast.
DATE OF BIRTH:
3/1/86National Teams: SENIOR: 2009-2012, 2014-2016, UNDER 23: 2005, 2007, JUNIOR: 2003
International Results: Won bronze in the eight at the 2016 World Rowing Cup II...Won the eight at the 2016 Final Olympic Qualification Regatta...Finished seventh in the four at the 2015 World Rowing Championships…Won gold in the four at the 2015 World Rowing Cup 2…Finished sixth in the pair at the 2014 World Rowing Championships...Won gold in the eight at the 2013 World Rowing Cup 3...Won bronze in the four at the 2012 Olympic Games...Finished eighth in the quadruple sculls at the 2011 World Rowing Championships...Finished 11th in the double sculls at the 2011 Rowing World Cup stop in Lucerne...Reached the semifinals of the double sculls Challenge Cup at the 2011 Henley Royal Regatta...Finished fifth in the double sculls at the 2011 Rowing World Cup stop in Munich...Finished seventh in the double sculls at the 2010 World Rowing Championships...Finished seventh in the double sculls at the 2010 Rowing World Cup in Lucerne...Finished 12th in the quadruple sculls at the 2009 World Rowing Championships…Finished fourth in the quadruple sculls at the 2009 Rowing World Cup stop in Lucerne…Finished fifth in the double sculls at the 2009 Rowing World Cup stop in Banyoles…Placed 16th in the quadruple sculls at the 2007 World Rowing Under 23 Championships…Placed 12th in the quadruple sculls at the 2005 World Rowing Under 23 Championships…Placed 18th in the double sculls at the 2003 World Rowing Junior Championships.
National Results: Won the pair at the 2014 Senior 2 World Championships Trials…Won the pair at the 2012 National Selection Regatta 1...Won the double sculls at the 2011 National Selection Regatta 2...Finished second in the single sculls at the 2011 National Selection Regatta 1...Finished third in the single sculls at the 2011 West Coast Spring Speed Order...Won the double sculls at the 2010 National Selection Regatta 2…Finished third in the single sculls at the 2010 National Selection Regatta 1...Won gold in the quadruple sculls at the 2009 USRowing National Championships…Won the double sculls at the 2009 National Selection Regatta 2…Finished second in the single sculls at the 2009 National Selection Regatta 1…Won gold in the Championship Four at the 2008 Head of the Charles Regatta…Won gold in the Championship Eight at the 2005 Head of the Charles Regatta.
Personal: Ochal was named USRowing's Male Athlete of the Year in 2012...He enjoys outdoors activities and competitive card playing…Playing football is his favorite activity, followed closely by beach volleyball, competitive horse shoes and bocce ball…Ochal is a superfan of the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles…Ochal is a member of a family of six – parents Lee and JoAnne and siblings Lea Anne, Kyle and Justin…He attributes all of his ac-complishments to his parents, who have given him every advantage needed to be successful...Glenn is married to Dylan Gwaltney, a student at USC Keck School of Medicine.
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