Rowers have descended on the calm waters of Lake Rostee in Lucerne Switzerland for the final Rio qualification. However, there will be nothing calm about the racing, pressure and intensity. Over three intense days of competition, dreams will be made and also shattered. This is it; the final chance for countries, crews and athletes to secure their place in the
Rio Olympic Games 2016.
There will be 1 or 2 positions still up for grabs in each category. With some categories having 12 or 13 countries competing for these few spots, tension will be high. Stressful? Without doubt; but those crews who earn their place at the final qualifying regatta have a history of going on to medal at the Games. Why? Because this is the toughest test that crews will undergo before the games.
Effectively, the preparation for this event sharpens the focus of those crews who are aiming to qualify. These crews can’t afford to make mistakes, can’t afford to waste one session, one piece, one minute, one second. It’s the perfect groundwork to prepare crews to deliver on the ultimate stage.
Those who succeed at the Games are not the athletes with the greatest potential, but are athletes who can hold their nerve, who deal with the pressure, and deliver when it counts.
So good luck to all athletes and crews lining up this week. Enjoy the thrill and thrive on this ultimate pressure test. If you survive, your Rio campaign will be set up perfectly.
