How Rowing at Yale prepared me for the GB Rowing Team
As a junior sculler in the UK, I dreamed of one day representing my country on the British National rowing team. Rowing for a top American University ended up being the perfect stepping stone. Here's how it set me up for success at the highest level:
World-Class Teammates
Practicing daily alongside elite rowers from across the globe rapidly elevated my skills. The competitive drive within the team pushed me to new heights both physically and technically. My fitness and form improved dramatically over 4 years. In my time at Yale I rowed with athletes from New Zealand, Germany, France, Switzerland, Australia, Ireland, South Africa and of course America! I started rowing with seasoned athletes that had achieved senior national team vests and that allowed me to increase my training standards to levels I didn’t think were possible before.
Race Simulation Training
The Yale training methodology focused heavily on doing "pieces" - essentially practice racing. Racing side by side in eights each day allowed me to become incredibly familiar with racing conditions. Rather than fearing races, I was excited to do what I practiced daily. This race mentality was invaluable. Steve and Mike coached us to train like we race so when race day came along it was no different and we knew how to execute our plan.
Holistic College Experience
Between practices, I was able to focus on academics and enjoy campus life. When I was at the boathouse my focus was 100% on rowing but when I was away from training I was able switch off and make the most of the wide variety of classes and the social scene Yale had to offer. This balance prevented burnout and kept my passion for rowing alive. Arriving at the National Team, I felt fresh and ready to dedicate fully to the sport.
Expert Coaching
Steve Gladstone and Mike Gennaro specialized in transforming scullers into elite sweep rowers. Their expertise enabled me to smoothly transition to sweep and excel in the boat type critical for the National Team. Their coaching went beyond the regular coaching techniques, they taught us to observe our own rowing stroke and notice when our form dropped off and coach ourselves.
Cutting-Edge Facilities
From the fully-equipped gyms to the world-class boathouses and rowing tanks, the facilities provided every resource needed to develop into a top athlete. The equipment and technology accelerated my progress. I was able to train all day in carbon rigged empachers on the water, have ergs available on campus and train in rowing tanks when the weather didn’t allow us to row on the water. I could do extra training if I wanted and the proximity of the facilities to my classes and housing created the prefect environment for me to succeed both on and off the water.
My time at Yale propelled me from a top junior sculler to a successful member of the GB rowing team and this would not have been possible without the delicate balance Yale provided with high level rowing paired with social and academic freedom. I would highly recommend the U.S. University experience to any athlete interested.
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