Angela’s Journey: Rowing as a Lifestyle of Passion and Perseverance

Rowing is a sport which demands strength, endurance, and an unwavering commitment to teamwork. For Angela, the journey began when she joined the rowing club from her previous school. Three years ago, she was drawn by rowing’s reputation for excellence and the allure of a sport that requires both physical and mental challenges. What started as a curiosity soon became a defining part of her identity. For Angela, rowing is more than just a sport—it’s a lifestyle, a passion, and a journey of self-discovery.

The Balancing Act: Academics & Training

Balancing on rigorous coursework with the demands of rowing is not that simple. Angela’s week is carefully planned with a balance between school lessons, tutorial courses and training. On school days, she trains twice in the gym for one hour each time, where the school offer opportunities for the rowing students with a coach instructed for their lessons.

Weekends are reserved for the water. At the DTD rowing club from her previous school, she joins fellow athletes for a two-hour session on the water. The boat glides effortlessly when the team is in sync, each rower moving as one. But achieving that harmony takes relentless practice, communication, and trust. As the “stroke” sets the rhythm, she learns to adapt, her body and mind attuned to the subtle shifts in pace and direction.

Communication & Teamwork

“Communication is crucial and indispensable; the conditions and circumstances during rowingare constantly shifting—such as rankings and tracks—and rowers must, therefore, actively adapt their performances and movements,” Angela explains.

Communication and teamwork are the lifeblood of rowing, a sport where synchronization and trust are as crucial as physical strength. In a boat, every rower must move in perfect harmony, their oars slicing through the water in unison. This level of coordination is impossible without clear and constant communication. Even though Angela usually trains as an individual athlete,

she still has the chance to get in touch with other skillful individuals in her original club. These interactions highlight the importance of adaptability and collaboration, even when rowing solo.

Each rower as an individual is important to the performance of the whole team. Above all, the “stroke” —a rower who leads the whole team—plays a crucial row in

the success of the team. Responsible for setting the rhythm, the “stroke” controls the team’s speed—whether fast or slow—and steers the boat using the rudder. When facing hostile weather conditions, the “stroke” relies on feedback from the bowman to adjust the pace and direction. This dynamic underscores the importance of trust and communication, as every rower must respond swiftly to changes in their environment.

Failure & Resilience

“In my short rowing career, I have experienced several failures, each of which taught me something different and inspired me,” Angela shares.

Her journey is not without its setbacks. In one competition, a careless mistake—choosing the wrong boat—nearly cost her balance and the race. The memory of that failure lingers, a reminder to pay attention to the smallest details. Yet, it’s these moments of defeat that fuel her growth. Each failure is a lesson, each setback a stepping stone toward improvement.

During rainy or windy days, the team trains indoors on rowing machines, focusing on building physical stamina. These sessions, though less glamorous than being on the water, are just as important, teaching her discipline and perseverance.

Rowing as a Path to Self-Discovery

Angela’s journey is also filled with moments of laughter and joy. She cherishes the lighter moments: the camaraderie shared with teammates after a grueling practice, the thrill of mastering a new technique, and the quiet pride of pushing past her limits. Even the occasional mishap—like the time she got stuck under a bridge during solo practice—becomes a story to laugh about later.

For Angela, rowing is more than just a sport. It’s a way to transcend the pressures of academics and discover her inner strength. The long hours of training have taught her resilience, while the camaraderie of her teammates has shown her the power of collaboration.

Though she doesn’t aspire to be a professional athlete, she is grateful for the lessons rowing has taught her. It has shaped her into someone who embraces challenges, values teamwork, and strives for balance in all aspects of life.

“I don’t have outstanding performances in this sport, but I am already grateful for having the opportunity to engage in rowing activities and competitions,” she says. “It is not essentially for future applications that drive me toward this tiring sport, but that I wanted to truly engage in something other than learning—something that could help me build my strength, perseverance, and persistence. Through this sport, I have experienced self-transcendence and overcome difficulties that once challenged me.”

—In the end, her journey is a testament to the beauty of rowing: a sport that

demands everything you have but gives back so much more. It’s a journey of passion, perseverance, and self-discovery—one stroke at a time —