We’re finally home! The trip back wasn’t bad at all, we luckily escaped any real delays or malfunctions, but I always hate traveling home because I am so beyond ready to just be back. Now that we’re all home, we are trying to adjust as quickly as possible and get back to it.
The women’s team arrived in Lucerne on Sunday, May 20 just as the Olympic Qualification Regatta got underway. There was definitely an energy around the course and at the hotel from the get go. Because racing occurred so late in the day, apparently due to the fact that the volunteers (young kids) weren’t out of school until later, we trained when we could, usually all before 4:00 pm. The little volunteers were so cute, there were several who checked our bags and put up with us coming and going up to three times a session just to grab something last minute. A lot of them wore USA rowing pins too, so that was always fun to talk about. Everyone competing for the US was staying at the same hotel too (with the exception of the LW2X and the M1X), so it was nice to get a chance to see everyone again and hear how training and racing were going firsthand.
Tuesday proved to be an exciting day, those of us not racing were glued to our computers watching the small flags inch across the screen on the World Rowing’s live feed. The W2X, LM4- and M8+ all qualified and won their respective races, so needless to say the atmosphere was electrifying and made me all the more excited to solidify our end of things. Wednesday’s finals were a bit tougher for our team, with only Gevvie Stone qualifying the W1X. It just goes to show that there really are no guarantees in this sport and that sometimes really incredible athletes don’t even get the chance to compete at the Olympics. Once everyone who was competing at the Qualifier left, things got quieter and were back to our normal group, with the exception of Gevvie filling in one of our quads.
Once racing started, things went by quickly. Most of pre-race time is spent holed up in the hotel, waiting around for what seems like an eternity. I always feel so much better physically and mentally once we get to race a full 2k down the course. Plus, once race day comes, the entire event becomes much more real.
The weekend posted some good results and some that we can still look to improve on. Most, if not all, other teams have already selected their Olympic teams, whereas there are still some important decisions to be made on our end. I know at least for me, I am eager to get back to work and see what is in store for the team. We’re so close!
Until next time!