“It's an honor,” said Msnicki, who won Olympic gold medals in 2012 and 2016 despite not making the first three national teams she tried out for. ”
The USRowing coaching staff, led by Josie Verdonkschott, selected five U.S. boats from the 67 invitees that have already qualified for the tournament: women's doubles and lightweight doubles, men's and women's 4-a-side, and women's No. 8. Athletes were selected to travel to Paris by boat. The men's 8s and the men's and women's quads need to qualify for the Last Chance Regatta in May. The selected quad event must also win at the Olympic Trials, which will be held from April 2nd to 7th at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota-Bradenton, Florida. USRowing has decided that the men's eight events do not need to participate in the Olympic Trials, and will train at American universities. Before heading to Europe, he visited Washington under the direction of Michael Callahan.
With so many talented athletes to choose from, Verdonckshott and his staff had to make a difficult choice. Athletes who are not selected at the end of camp will still have the opportunity to race at trials alongside athletes who were not invited (or declined the invitation) to the selection camp.
“It's never easy, even though we know that many of them have a chance of going to trial,” Verdonkchot said of the selection. The only thing you can do is be sure you made the right decision. ”
“I think we're in pretty good shape. I think we're building on last year and I think it was building on the first year. We'll be represented in every class. [men and women, sweep and sculling]That's great, but we're not just participating, we're having competitive crews in every class, which is a step forward.
Musnicki agrees. Every group has its own identity. And it's fun to watch us grow and shape into her one unit together. ”
