1. What inspired you to go to your first rowing practice; was there anything memorable about it?
Because I was anxious to see a San Diego sunrise.. Just kidding- because the coach seemed cool at the intro meeting on campus. And I was interested in doing something athletic and constructive with my sophomore year, instead of wasting it away drinking (as I did my freshman year).
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 row because I love to race with my teammates--- so, I guess I fell in love with racing at the first regatta in southern California... And when I learned there was a medal stand...
I don't row for any philosophical reasons... I am not out there to "be one with the water." so, if I am winning a race, then I am having fun rowing. Isn't that the reason we practice so much? So that we can win races?
3. Best race/practice, worst race/practice?
Best race- Lucerne 2004 world cup... Gold, baby & for a backwards reason the 2003 world championship final... Catching the crab- that stopped us at least 4 lengths back from the field. We pulled together, got back on track and walked through Belarus to qualify the boat for the Olympics. My teammates had my back on that one---I learned just how amazing & resilient they are.
Best practice- July 8th, 2004... The day after signing the Olympic papers- I'm going to Athens in the 8+!!
Worst race- well, even though it was an enormous learning experience, catching a boat stopping crab at world championships still sucks.
Worst practice- undoubtedly one of those never-ending pair practices (probably one of the ones in a hail or windstorm).
4. Best/Anything you've done in the sport no one knows about?
Hitting the game winning, over the fence home run against defending section winners, Lincoln High @ section playoffs. Turlock High softball, spring 1997. Unbelievable- I floated around those bases with the biggest smile of all time. My heart still skips a beat when I think about how sweet that ball felt off the bat. I think about that homer all the time (mostly when frustrated with rowing).
Comments | Log in to comment |
There are no Comments yet
|
row2k's Olympics coverage is brought to you by:
row2k's Olympics coverage is brought to you by: