This is Austin's second Olympics. Here's his original row2k Starting Five post from 2016
How have you prepared differently for this quadrennial than previous cycles?
I stopped rowing entirely after the Rio Olympics, and worked full time without training seriously until 2019. I erged in the tiny laundry room of my San Francisco apartment, and often went to a public gym after work at 8 or 9 PM. It was a difficult road to get back into shape, but I think training alone makes you tougher so it was a valuable experience. For me, continuing to work part-time was the biggest change from last cycle, when I didn't work at all. I find that working is a nice distraction from heavy days of training.
Did anything completely unexpected happen, or do you have any memorable or unusual stories from your previous Olympiad?
One of the most unexpected moments of Rio was riding the elevator with DeMarcus Cousins and Draymond Green (USA Basketball) in the Olympic Village before the opening ceremony. Draymond was making fun of DeMarcus for forgetting some of his clothes. I don't think any USA rowers even went to the opening ceremony, but we still got dressed up in our USA blazers and it was a memorable experience.
Any/Most important advice for first time Olympians?
Stay focused on the goal. There are plenty of distractions and fanfare that we're not accustomed to as rowers, and it's easy to lose your mental sharpness.
What was your state of mind like sitting in the starting block of your first Olympic race?
It was surreal. I had imagined that moment for years, and at times it felt like I was in a dream. Most of all I remember it being quieter than I expected - you could see locals calmly going about their days just on the other side of the starting blocks.
What's different this time around/what will you do differently at this Olympics?
The pandemic has made this Olympics totally unique. We'll arrive to Tokyo later than we typically would, and we'll leave shortly after our events finish. Japan's COVID restrictions will also cut down on some of the extra fanfare. This should help keep us super-focused on the racing.
Do you feel older/better/wiser/stronger/other?
I think I'm a more mature athlete than I was five years ago. I've certainly made physical and technical gains, but I've also developed a more thoughtful perspective on what makes boats fast, especially team boats like the 8+. I'm hopeful I can use this wisdom to support my teammates in the next few weeks and in Tokyo.
Does the phrase "the Olympics" ring differently the next time around?
It's just as special the second time, but this time I have a better idea of what to expect.
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 regatta itself is similar to other World Rowing regattas - the same rules, the same equipment, the same vendors, and so on. In Rio the water conditions were quite windy and wavy, and I've heard people joke that "the more important the race, the worse the conditions." The stakes are certainly much higher, so it's best to be prepared for anything on race day.
Hometown: Old Lyme, Conn.
Club Affiliation: Oakland TC
Date of Birth: May 17, 1992
Height: 6'8"
Weight: 212
Education: Stanford University, Political Science, 2014
Training Location: Oakland, CA
Current Coach: Mike Teti
National Teams: Ten - Junior, 2009-10; Under 23, 2011-12; Senior, 2013-15, 2019; Olympic, 2016, 2020
International Results: Finished fifth in the the eight at the 2019 World Rowing Championships...Finished fifth in the four at the 2019 World Rowing Cup II...Finished fourth in the eight at the 2016 Olympic Games...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 eight at the 2015 World Rowing Championships...Won bronze in the eight at the 2015 World Rowing Cup II...Finished fourth in the eight at the 2014 World Rowing Championships...Won bronze in the eight at the 2013 World Rowing Championships...Won gold in the eight at the 2013 World Rowing Cup III...Finished fourth in the pair at the 2012 World Rowing Under 23 Championships...Won gold in the eight at the 2011 World Rowing Under 23 Championships...Won gold in the eight at the 2010 World Rowing Junior Championships...Finished fourth in the eight at the 2009 World Rowing Junior Championships...Won the junior eight and junior four with coxswain at the 2008 CanAmMex Regatta.
National Results: Finished second in the pair at the 2020 National Selection Regatta...Finished second in the pair at the 2019 National Selection Regatta...Finished third in the pair at the 2016 National Selection Regatta I...Won gold in the eight at the 2013 USRowing National Championships...Finished 14th in the varsity eight at the 2012 Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) Championships...Finished ninth in the freshman eight at the 2011 Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) Championships...Won the junior four with coxswain and finished second in both the junior eight and intermediate eight at the 2008 USRowing Club National Championships...Finished fifth in the senior double sculls at the 2008 Stotesbury Cup Regatta.
Personal: Austin was born on 5/17/1992 and attended Lyme-Old Lyme High School. He enjoys skiing, gastronomy and traveling. Austin was the Pac-12 Rower of the Year 2013 and 2014, first-team All-Pac-12 and first-team All-Academic. He lists his parents as the most influential people in his sporting career for their unwavering support and enthusiasm.
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