It’s been a while, so I am sorry for not writing sooner. Truthfully, I’ve tried to hold off until July 21st – the date when the four athletes will be officially named to the quad for the World Championships in Bulgaria. But after today, I have something I want to sayJ. After this though, I will continue to try and hold off until July 21st, ha!
Since some of our under 23 athletes are overseas preparing to race (and kick butt) at the 2012 Under-23 World Championships, I have been continuing to train here in Toronto, London and soon Welland with other athletes so that I can maintain and improve on my fitness. Lucky for me, today there was a local regatta here in London that I was able to compete in. It’s always good to get racing experience and challenge yourself, even though I felt like crapola again after my 2x race this morning (the heat, heavy training week and lack of electrolytes got the best of me, but fortunately my partner Lindsay and I still won, mind over body I guess).
Competing today put the biggest smile on my face! Why? It’s really great to be able to see familiar faces, friends, and coaches. The rowing community is fantastic, and somehow you find yourself becoming friends with people you race against. Regardless of the outcome, everyone knows the other is pushing as hard as they can to be their best on that day. So I think it is incredibly important to have good sportsmanship and be respectful and supportive of yourself, crew, and opponents (yes, opponents).
I’ve seen this best reflected in a video I saw of the 2008 Ironman World Championships in Kona. Chrissie Wellington (one of my role models) holds the world record in the Ironman distance, and is just an absolutely humble, modest and inspiring woman, plus she's super fast!
History: I actually went to watch the race in 2003 when my brother competed, and I saw with my own eyes how amazingly supportive of one another the athletes can be.
Here is the video I am referring to:
This video really hits home for many reasons:
- With respect to sportsmanship, it has been defined as many things, and one definition says “respect one’s opponent, and treat others the way you’d like to be treated”. Rebekah Keat does just that when she see’s Chrissie on the side with a blown tire. In rowing it’s a bit harder to reach over and help others, but attitude alone can make the same kind of impact.
- Always be prepared for any scenario when you are competing
- Never make an excuse if you are held back, dig deeper and fight harder to prove to yourself that you CAN
Here are some pics from today:
Congrats to everyone who raced and gave each stroke their all!
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