1. What inspired you to go to your first rowing practice; was there anything memorable about it?
Mark Rothstein and my mother. I was missing being an athlete in college, and Mom said I should try this out. Thanks, Mom! Mark was very enthusiastic about the sport the first time I met him at the novice rowing meeting. I don't know if he remembers, but I do. He also showed video of a national team 8. I was hooked.
2. Was there a practice, race or other event when you fell in love with the sport, or when you knew you might not be too bad at rowing? When you thought you could make the national team?
I knew I might not be too bad at rowing when I took my first 2k erg. A class conflict meant that I had to take it on my own. The coaches told me to sit on the erg and go as fast as I could. I pulled a 7:29 and asked if that was an OK score. They told me it was the 3rd best score on the team, varsity included. That clued me in that I would be strong enough. Technique is still a work in progress!
3. Best race/practice, worst race/practice?
Best race? That's easy. Worlds 2002 but winning trials this year is a close second. Worst race was the Seville World Cup in 2001. It was right when I was getting sick with Lyme but didn't know it. We were so slow. It was embarrassing.
4. Best/Anything you've done in the sport no one knows about?
The tattoo on my lower back was put specifically on my L4-L5 vertebral level because it was the first time I had nerve pain due to rowing. It was my silly way of trying to protect it. Apparently, it worked for that area but it seems I missed for the L5-S1 disc. It ruptured in 2003.
5. Any/Most important advice for young rowers?
Never ever give up. If you want it bad enough, you will find a way to succeed. All the challenges and sacrifices ultimately make you stronger and, in the end, it is all worth it. One more thing: learn how to scull. It makes you a much better rower. And do your core exercises. Back surgery sucks.
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