The second week of training in Italy proved to be highly productive, with three solid races at World Cup II in Varese—Heats, Semis, and Finals. It was a refreshing experience to compete against new faces, and I even had the opportunity to swap uniforms with Michel, the Mexican PR1 rower! International competitions always provide a humbling and inspiring atmosphere, witnessing numerous athletes performing at their peak. It truly motivated me to dive deeper into my training back in Buffalo.
After a slightly circuitous journey home, including a stop in San Francisco for a friend's wedding, Sasha and I eagerly unpacked my single scull, which arrived safely from SF. Despite a few smoky days due to the Canadian fires, we managed to get on the water for the past two weeks. What's particularly nice is that Maddy Eberhard, the PR2 mixed double US rower from Buffalo, is training with us in her single. Having a training partner, let alone another para single rower, is awesome. We are constantly pushing each other on the water, which helps us both get faster.
In addition to my training, my sisters, Mary and Tricia, and I have been running Camp Mangan, a summer day camp for neighborhood kids that we've organized for the past 12 years. Spending six hours running around in the sun with a group of energetic 4 to 11-year-olds after two hours of rowing definitely helps me sleep well.
My next race target is Canadian Henley. While I probably won't have any competition there, it will serve as a good benchmark on a buoyed course. I can compare my times to those in Italy and assess my progress. The ultimate goal is Worlds in Belgrade, Serbia, in early September. I'm thrilled to be officially heading there as a member of the 2023 Para National Team! To qualify for the Paralympics, I need to finish in the top seven at Worlds. Last year, I finished 10th, and this year, with more PR1 rowers competing, it will be tougher.
If I don't finish in the top seven, there's another opportunity next May, but that regatta, nicknamed "the regatta of death," is highly competitive, as only the winner qualifies. So, my focus is on qualifying in September. Right now, the most important thing is to keep my body healthy and train as much as I can.
I've also been biking a lot more since I'm back home, so make sure to follow me on Strava!