Admiration for the Championship Rowers

This week, Aug. 28 - Sept. 4th, is the 2011 World Rowing Championships in Bled, Slovenia. Canadian rowers across a broad spectrum of events have been close or on their way to qualify for the next summer Olympics in London 2012.

My pal Jerry Brown is included in the powerful men's 8+. He is a bit of a hero/idol in my world. He had been training with the VCRC group for 2009-2010 and was there for 4-5months when I joined up before he made the jump to the National Team. To hear someone go from regular recreational athlete to future Olympic rower is an awe inspiring feat of determination and drive. A few things he said was, first, to commit 100% focus and second, work when your old, fulfill your goals now. Jerry is the tall guy in the 3-seat (numbered from the front of the boat) below.

Photo: The Canadian Press @ CBC