Jose Luis Corrales started rowing at the age of 18, but gave up the sport after suffering a back injury when he was 22. He came back to rowing just two years ago, and this year, decided to enter his first international Masters Regatta. He made the long journey from Mexico City to Mercer Lake with his wife and daughter at his side.
It was his daughter, Claudia, who actually motivated him to get back into a boat. Now 18 years old, she had been rowing since she was 12, and showed real talent. In fact, she competed on the Mexican Junior National Team. In other races which featured mostly father and son teams, Claudia and her dad raced together in a double. "She is my only child," says Corrales. "It is beautiful, I feel like I'm in the sky, such a unity when we are in this boat. In Mexico there are mostly father and son competitions, but it is so nice to row with a daughter."
Corrales belongs to the Canauhili A.C. Rowing Club in Mexico City and rows on Cuemanco Lake. It served as the rowing venue during the 1968 Olympics. Despite his daily brushes with international glory, in this, his first international competition, he is feeling nervous. "It's because at home I row in larger boats. I'm racing single scull, one race. I prefer the eight. There was no team for me; otherwise I would have preferred to compete in the eight because it's fast. It's like a union of friendship."
Claudia, who came to root for her dad, still has her own sights on competition. She hopes to participate in the Pan-American Games next year in Brazil in a double and if possible, a single as well. Her Olympic dreams are also still very much alive. "I know we will never be able to compete together in the Olympics," says Corrales, "but I will always be there to cheer her on, just as she is here to cheer me on this time."
His daughter gives him a hug. "I am very proud of my father," she says. "If he can do it, why can't I? He's my inspiration." Corrales starts, as if surprised. Then smiles, and says to her, modestly,"Oh, thank you."
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