Since the remainder of the team was officially selected on June 22nd, we have been bombarded with media requests, guests at practice and team functions. So, needless to say things have been quite busy. What’s really great about the team finally being announced, aside from the big increase in attention to our sport (which is always a positive), is the sheer amount of love and support coming out of the woodwork. Rowing on the national team can be very lonely at times; you’re constantly tired, have to pass on a lot of socializing, and have to be selfish with your time, energy and emotions. For me, it was really incredible to receive so much positive attention. It made me realize that there are a lot of people who have been a part of my journey thus far and that I am very lucky. It is easy to forget how you got to where you are and the many people who were a part of it.
As one of three first-time Olympians in our boat, I have no idea what to expect when we get there. Of course I am excited to have this opportunity and to get to race at an event like the Olympic Games, something I have dreamed of since the age of 5. But, I don’t think reality has really sunk in. Not much has changed since the initial hype ended, we are still training in Princeton and my daily routine is the same. We leave in just over one week, and while I’m not training, recovering or packing, I plan to try to enjoy every minute of these last several days before and during racing. Many of the women who have been in my position just four, eight or twelve years ago, have reached out to me and urged me to really be present. They all seem to say the same thing, that it all ends before you know it. So, even though I don’t truly feel like an Olympian just yet and there is no question that we have a job to do first and foremost when in London, this is a hugely important event in my life and always will be.
Finally, I want to make sure I recognize the many women who didn’t end up making the Olympic Team or who didn’t end selection with the result they had hoped for. I have the upmost respect for everyone, and I mean each and every person, who had the courage and fortitude to try their best no matter what the outcome turned out to be. The group at the US Training Center is an extremely competitive one and produces tough, strong and fast women as a result. There are a lot of very talented athletes who didn’t make the team, but are every bit a part of it as the people who did.
So, thank you for your love and support and we all hope to make you proud in London! Look for more updates, blog entries, videos and photos in the weeks ahead.
Go USA!
Here are some links about and from the team:
Official Olympic Rowing roster
Megan Kalmoe’s latest blog post on the Road To London
Jamie Redman’s latest blog post on missing out on the pair, but being named a spare
Esther Lofgren’s latest blog post on making the team
Sara Hendershot’s latest blog post on her journey towards London