Olympic Athletes Bring the Message: Balance Is the Key

November 3, 2006

Olympic rowers spoke about the role of athletics in life. Photo: Jeannie Stern.

Four alumni/ae Olympic rowers visited campus last week, inspiring rowers and non-rowers alike with their advice not only for athletics but also for life. Andi Morin ’00, Michael Blomquist ’99, Sabrina Kolker ’98 and Sloan Duross ’95 were selected for the U.S. teams in the 2004 Olympic Games. All four are training for the Beijing games in 2008.

Kolker discovered crew during her upper year at Exeter, and took to it avidly. “Just two years later, I wasn’t able to even imagine a life without crew!”  Her advice to the all-school assembly? “Take risks. Try new things. Push your limits!” And most of all, keep your eye on the real goals. "I make a point of enjoying the process, which, regardless of the end result, is life-enriching.”  Morin chimed in. “Keep yourself challenged both physically and mentally,” she said. “Stay focused on academics. Athletics will come to an end some day.”

For Rory, an upper and member of girls crew, the rowers’ visit helped give some perspective to her goals – not just for erg times, but for the role of athletics in life. “Listening to the alumni rowers talk about enjoying their journey made me appreciate rowing as a community of people," Rory said. "Hearing these amazing people – athletes who have reached the highest levels of accomplishment – talk about their time at Exeter made our own dreams seem more accessible.”

 “It was a thrill to hear them talk about their experience as Olympians,” said Catie, a senior. “They began rowing in the same boats my teammates and I use!”

 “This group of dedicated athletes demonstrated by their words, their fit bodies and bright eyes how a clear goal has kept them focused on success in all areas of life," says crew coach Sally Morris, who felt the assembly benefited all students. Their experience shows "that the most valuable aspect of rowing is learning  to focus on the process rather than the outcome.”

Crew coach Lawrence Smith is tremendously proud of these former students, remarking on how much and how well they have matured. “Their messages were applicable to all areas of all Exeter students’ lives – to take on challenges as opportunities, to develop passions, enjoy them and appreciate everyone along the way.”
 
Or, in Blomquist's words, “Be the best person you can be in any situation.”