By the end of today coaches and crews have been reporting some much better rowing. Although the course is pretty bumpy, with strong winds and many wakes from all the crews, most of our gang seem to have turned a corner. The coaches have tweeked the rigs and the rowers are fully over their jet lag. As a result, the boats are beginning to pop like they did at home- right on schedule.
It is hot over here, but not New Jersey hot, so everyone is doing ok. The rooms are comfortable enough at night and the food is great. All in all, we couldn't ask for a better lead up to the racing. The kids seem in good spirits and it is tough not to be feeling a rising excitement seeing all the teams around. I saw some outstanding rowing today around the course. Even when you are expecting it, it is always wonderful to see just how well these young people can row. As a coach of juniors myself, it is inspiring to know it can be done to such a high level. I'll tell you what- racing successfully against crews at this event is a considerable accomplishment.
Most of the crews are practicing in the morning tomorrow and relaxing in the afternoon. Hooray for the taper! I'm sure the Opening Ceremony will be great and then we start racing on Wednesday. Can't wait!
remember the motto:
ReplyDeletebring home the hardware!
go USA!