It has now been a week since Sarah and I raced in our Olympic final, and it feels like it has been months! So much has happened between last Wednesday and today that I can’t believe it has actually only been seven days. To all of my fans and supporters who were diligently following my blog leading up to racing, I’m sorry for taking so long to write my next post, but it has been CRAZY here since crossing the finish line.
The Pain Cave like I have never felt before. Entire body consumed in the lactate burn.
Last Wednesday morning, Sarah and I were ready to go. We were rested, eating well, mentally prepared, and very excited to race. After watching the race on video today, a week since it’s all been over, I am actually very proud of the way we rowed that race. I would be happy to break the race down bit by bit for everyone later, but overall, we rowed that race very well. Were we at our technical best? No, not quite. Did we tactically race it the exact way we had planned? No, things were not perfect. But we took the situation we were presented, including conditions, lanes, a slower start, and a fast leading crew, and we rolled with it the best we could. When the race was over, I was sure that I had rowed a terrible last 250 meters. But I think the video shows otherwise. We were racing hard, and aggressively, and we just came up a bit short. It is easier for me to deal with an aggressive, early sprint that faded than a sprint that came too late and ran out of room.
Don’t worry, already smiling two days later. No time to waste upset, we’re at the Olympics!
The two days following our race, I was heartbroken. To be so close to a medal and then have it slip away was a very hard reality to face. But now that the initial pain has settled, and I’ve had time to reflect upon what Sarah and I accomplished, I’m beginning to look at this experience in a different light. We finished fourth in the world, and we did this as a completely unknown pair that no one expected any strong results from. We almost didn’t even make the Olympic team, and then really seized the opportunity to gain as much speed as possible and be in the medal hunt. I am disappointed that we don’t have some hardware to bring home, but this experience has been completely life changing, and I think we have put ourselves on the international map as strong, really tough competitors. We left it all out there, and you have to be proud of that. Maybe it’s fate that I will leave London slightly unsatisfied…Rio 2016?
Since Wednesday, Sarah and I have been keeping very busy. Check out my twitter to see all the events we’ve been attending and people we’re meeting.
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield,
-Sara
Sara, you are an inspiration to all, and have made us more proud than you can ever know. I can only hope my girls turn out half as good as their amazing cousin.
Love, Auntie Jul
Hey Sara….Your rowing partner is from my hometown…her sis Emily was in my daughter’s class at school and Sarah is a year, or two, ahead of my youngest daughter. Sarah’s a great girl, as you know. You ladies were awesome. I know that the finish may not have been what you wanted but as you say….you were unknowns and almost didn’t make the team. But you are Olympians!! That’s something not everyone can say. Medal or not you have something to be proud of. If you two decide to go to Rio you can be sure you will have so many people supporting you, just as they did this time. All of Itasca, well most of Itasca, was following you two. I hope now that your competition is done you have been able to enjoy London or at least some of the other events that are happening. I’ll be looking for the pictures! Have a great time in London…maybe we’ll see you on the Closing Ceremony broadcast.
We all thought that the performance you two turned in was impressive and total from any viewpoint! We are so proud of you! Tim R.
Sara, We are incredibly proud of you and your accomplishments. You are forever an Olympian!
Love, The Press Family
So glad to hear from you! We’ve been following Sarah’s facebook posts and guessing that you were able to put the race behind you for now! You both look like you are having the time of your lives! To the rest of your world – you both are champions – amazing champions! And we love you! Aunt Elaine
Your perspective on this is as inspiring as your performance last week and over the last few months. Have a great time the next few days. And I know you will come back hungrier and tougher than ever (if the latter is even possible!)
Sara, you are an inspiration to all, and have made us more proud than you can ever know. I can only hope my girls turn out half as great as their amazing cousin.
Love, Auntie Jul
Sara, the Garlicks are so proud of your accomplishments at the Olympics. We watched all of your races and thought you were fantastic. We hope to see you when you come home. Enjoy your vacation! Love, Coach Garlick, Mrs. Garlick, and Colleen
Our family is so proud of you. What an accomplishment to even have made it to the Olympics let alone to come in 4th in the world. You have made the Olympics very exciting for me. I almost felt like I was there. My sister Barb & I watched more of this Olympics than all of the others put together.
Love, Joan from California