It’s time to start your engines…. That’s if you’re wearing “USA” or “GBR” or “CAN” or whatever nation you’re representing at the World Champs right now. Racing has started and there have been some good ones! While I wish I was in Bled right now (so beautiful! Dubbed “the land of castles”) the next best place is Henley to get ready for another round of fun. As I spent my lazy Sunday keeping tabs on all the racing I was struck with how “connected” I feel with the rowing. Let me explain. For a long time I’ve dreamed of being an Olympian or representing my country and achieving the highest honors in my sport. As a result I passionately followed the national team and tried to keep tabs on what was going on in the world of international rowing. And who doesn’t do that? Every young athlete dreams of superstardom and being the best and we all find idols and heroes and follow the best. But this year it’s different.
This year I’m struck with how many people I know that are racing in Bled. There are so many people that I’m friends with- some of my closest even- that are racing for the title of “world’s best” and getting ready for the Olympics. And unlike in years past, I feel so in tune with it all. It’s hard to articulate. Maybe it’s because I’m really part of that scene- coxing at Leander opens doors… big ones. Just the magnitude by which I improved my coxing skills in a year alone is impressive but the pink palace does more than just make you better at rowing or coxing. You get to know important people. You get to interact and train with the best and it brings you so much closer to attaining your dreams. You just make that step up to being part of such a tiny group of athletes in rowing, in the world. Maybe it’s just wishful thinking. Maybe. Or maybe it’s because not yet, but someday I’m going to be there with them too. Of course a long shot but those are the best kind of accomplishments- the ones that you had to work so hard to get. I know I have so much work to do still but I’m in the best place in the world right now and all I can do it take that advantage and work hard. "Unthinkably good things can happen, even late in the game. It's such a surprise." Keep dreaming people, keep dreaming...
BIG THANK YOU to Jamie Redman (US w8+) for the photo of the US m8+ on the start line, knicked from FB
To follow the World Champs I recommend the following websites:
www.worldrowing.com
www.usrowing.org
www.twitter.com (just search @worldrowing and you’ll find tons of people tweeting from Bled)
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