In our heat, our strategy was to come in first so that we could go directly to the finals, but not to exhaust ourselves doing it. We made that plan work and ended up seeding in the preferred lane for the final race - which might have been a detriment to our outcome.
We started off the final race ahead by a half boat length and maintained that lead for what spectators say was 3/4 of the course - however, for anyone who is familiar with racing in a man made basin, sometimes what will happen is the crews who are beside and behind you can get on your wave (almost like surfing), which means they will expend less energy keeping up with you, giving them a surge at the end of the race. This is precisely what happened.
Canadian Premier Women received the bronze medal, behind Thailand and China. The spread between first and third place was 0.15 seconds. Not even a paddle stroke. Our coach firmly believes that we carried the two other crews (who were on either side of us) down the course. Whatever the reason, I can say that our race plan was executed perfectly, and it wasn't for lack of trying or for lack of effort that we weren't on the top of the podium.
Coming off the water was emotional. To have worked so hard, knowing you couldn't have done anything differently to affect the outcome (ie: paddle harder, sit up straighter, respond to calls for more power, etc.), that was what hurt the most. But - we have to keep in mind that at the world level, this is what we ask for. The best competition in the world - this is what we got yesterday.
From my perspective, our team was humbled. This is a good thing. When you are used to winning all the time, sometimes you need to come second (or third) to remind you of the hunger, drive and sheer ballsy-ness it takes to win first place.
Canadian Premier Women will be back for the 200m on Saturday - there is no doubt about that.
The race was streamed live (as all the races have been so far), the commentators saying that ours was one of the closest races of the day, and at one point, the commentator was heard to say "look at those Canadian women, they are looking exceptionally strong this year. Muscles like that don't just happen by accident". Later, when we were on the podium receiving our medals, the organizers told us that they hit 80,000 spectators on the live coverage - and that over 60% were from Canada.
Hearing that, and knowing that our friends and family in Canada are behind us is pretty fantastic. I know the Canadian media has shunned our efforts to engage, and so I know how much it takes for those of you at home to sign on and follow our races - we sincerely appreciate it!! We really do. Knowing th at I have loved ones back home that are watching, cheering and crying along with me is the best feeling in the world.
Be sure to tune in on Saturday - I'm aiming for tears of joy and hoping to beat China for the first time in the 200m.
No comments:
Post a Comment