Michelle Sechser, a rising star in U.S. rowing, expressed her hopes for the Paris 2024 Olympics speaking with uInterview in May. Sechser’s path to elite rowing started in high school and has led her to become one of the top athletes in her sport.

Sechser discovered rowing during her high school years at Capitol Crew, a local rowing club in Filson, California. Before rowing, she had tried various activities like playing instruments and ballet. She found her true passion when she first competed in a rowing race. “When I sat on the start line, I felt a sense of power and confidence I hadn’t experienced before,” Sechser said. Rowing provided her with a clear path to success through hard work, which she found exciting and motivating.

One of the biggest lessons Sechser has learned is the importance of teamwork. As a rower in a double scull boat, she competes with a partner, Molly Reckford. They must work together closely and synchronize their movements to be successful.

“Our boat goes fastest when we row in perfect harmony,” Sechser explained. This experience has taught her that compromising and aligning with her partner’s style is crucial for winning. “We have different strengths, but when we both show up as our true selves, we perform better as a team.”

Preparing for races also involves strong mental skills. Rowing often means dealing with tough weather conditions like strong winds and rough waves. Sechser has learned to stay calm and focused, even when facing these challenges. “The key is to remain calm and not let external stressors affect you,” she said. This mental toughness helps her handle the unpredictable nature of the sport and stay focused on her training.

In Friday’s final, Sechser and Reckford failed to medal.

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