Since May, the other lightweights and I have been under review by the National Development Coach every day for every workout. We did unofficial and official seat racing, time trials in the 1x, 2x and 4x, and specific workouts where the coach would be able to see how we perform: looking at our consistency, crew dynamic and weight management. Because I performed quite well in the first double matrix of seat racing, and my weight has shown to be consistent, I was not included in the final seat racing that took place today. That said, I still did a solid training session by doing two hard 2km pieces in the single (1x) alongside the other athletes who were either supporting or competing for the final spot in the boat. They did an amazing job and gave it everything that they could - each are true champions!
At the end of the day, only four athletes were named to the boat and I can finally confirm that I am officially one of those four athletes in the Lightweight Women’s Quadruple Sculls that will be wearing red and white at the Senior World Championships this August in Bulgaria!!!:)
Back in April after the National Development Trials I was over the moon about simply getting invited to try-out and move to London Ontario for this opportunity – a 28 year old, married, full-time corporate world woman (I was definitely scared about entering a new environment). But the end result of being named to the boat is something I am truly thankful for and will not take for granted – there is still a lot of exciting work to be done before the big event!
Everyone who came here to London to try-out has so much to be proud of and nobody can take that away from any of usJ. Many of the athletes have had an incredible impact on me, and although some of them are no longer at the Centre (for now, but watch out they’ll come back!), they continue to motivate me through their determination and ongoing pursuits of their dreams! Thank you!
It will be an exciting couple of weeks to say the least. Especially this year since the World Championships will take place right after the Olympic rowing races – during our training we’ll be able to watch Olympians go for Gold in England! Is there a better way to get pumped up and motivated? I don’t think so!
Aside from the training and racing, it’ll also be exciting to see (IN PERSON) the athletes I have read about and admired for so long. One of them is Ursula Grobler from the USA. Although she is not Canadian, I have a lot of respect for her as an athlete as she currently holds the world record on the rowing machine for 2km (Lightweight Women). She will be racing in the 1x at the World Championships, and so will many past Olympians and previous World Champions. Many up and comers will be there as well since the Junior World Championships will also be held in Bulgaria at the same time. I am so proud of one of the Junior athletes I have been fortunate to train alongside back in my Don Rowing days: Kieran Tierney - Congrats!
Thank you to everyone who has continued to support me on this journey. It has definitely been a learning experience and I know that the learning doesn’t stop here!
I’m hopeful that my next blog will be to show you the Canadian gear - don't be surprised if I wear them to work for the months to follow World'sJ.
Have a great week-end!
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