Rowing · learning · collective coordination
From first experience to national competition
A school introduction near Lake Aiguebelette became, within one year of practice, a team journey to a national podium.
The story
I discovered rowing at school, then joined the club and helped form an under-15 women's eight when it seemed difficult to gather enough rowers for national competition.
We were coached by Olympic rowing champion Xavier Dorfman. We learned that an eight does not depend on one especially strong person, but on eight rowers who control their movement, sustain their effort and follow the same rhythm, guided by a coxswain.
After qualifying competitions in June 2005, we competed at the French national championships in Mâcon and won a bronze medal.
What I take from it
In an eight, everyone must fully hold their position for the whole boat to move forward.
Team coordination · Discipline · Perseverance · Endurance · Trust · Commitment
