Olympic Trials have come and gone!
Riverside had nine athletes racing in stripes across four events, with most missing out by only a few seconds on progression or winning overall. Kevin Meador and Alex Twist both finished third in the men’s single and lightweight men’s double respectively. Liz Martin and Makayla Karr-Warner finished third in their semi-final, narrowly missing out on the final and posting one of the fastest times in their event. In a deep field of top single scullers, both Sophia Luwis and Ashton Knight progressed through the time trials, which saw about half of the field eliminated on day one.
Some athletes are now taking time to reflect on their experiences and weigh different paths while others have already thrown themselves back into full training. Makayla and Liz are already looking to future international race opportunities: “We are excited for the summer circuit and believe we have put ourselves in a great position to be competitive for spots on the National Team in Shanghai in October.”
The passing of trials can also be challenging; after living and training together in close proximity for so long with such a clear goal, the return to social distancing and relaxed structure is hard.
All photographs courtesy of US Rowing
“I absolutely loved the training that I did with a fantastic group of people and athletes leading up to the race. I am unfathomably lucky to call these people my friends and teammates. Training with Helen was a blessing and I am thankful I was given the opportunity to learn and grow from rowing with her.”
“It kind of feels like the end of camp. We have all been living together for so long and so focused on Trials, it is hard to figure out what to do now. I think it’ll take a little bit before it is clear what the next steps will be.”
What is next?
USRowing will be hosting the second set of Olympic Trials in April in Princeton, NJ, which will include racing in the M2-, W2x, M4x, PR1M1x, PR1W1x, and PR2Mx2x. RIverside has one athlete currently planning to compete in the W2x.
Acknowledgements
Riverside’s High Performance Program is grateful for the support of the community that came together to make this happen. Of particular note, we would like to thank:
The Riverside Board and Community for their financial and logistic support and steadfast encouragement
Matt Muffleman and Hudson Boatworks for helping athletes to get into top notch equipment
Mark Grinberg, for providing services to his athletes above and beyond
Chris Jackson and One World Rowing for their generous gift which provided for additional coaching and logistic support
Our Friends and Family, who have stood by us with support and love throughout this journey
If you have any questions for any of the High Performance Group members about what their experience was like, please ask! As the boathouse starts to open up for the Spring, expect to see them on the water and at work parties.
Summary of Riverside Results
W1x
Sophia Luwis (3rd in Repechage, 4th in Heat, 14th in Time Trial)
Sera Busse (17th in Time Trial)
Brigid Kennedy (18th in Time Trial)
M1x
Kevin Meador (3rd in Final, 2nd in Semifinal, 1st in Repechage, 2nd in Heat, 8th in Time Trial)
Ashton Knight (3rd in Repechage, 4th in Heat, 11th in Time Trial)
LW2x
Liz Martin & Makayla Karr-Warner (3rd in Semifinal, 2nd in Heat, 5th in Time Trial)
Jillian Zieff & Helen Samaniego (3rd in Repechage, 3rd in Heat, 8th in Time Trial)
LM2x
Alex Twist & Hugh McAdam (3rd in Final, 1st in Repechage, 2nd in Heat, 3rd in Time Trial
