This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Sports

Q & A With Pan American Rower Margot Shumway

Shumway is competing in women's single sculls at the 2011 Pan American Games in Mexico.

On Friday, Westlake's Margot Shumway took a break from her pre-game training and fielded questions from Patch by email about her rowing background, the Pan American Games and what she hopes to achieve. 

Patch: Tell us a little about your career as a rower. 

Shumway: I started rowing at The Ohio State University during my fourth year, then rowed my fifth year. After college, I began sculling with Igor Grinko in Augusta, GA. From there, I moved to Washington, DC to train with Matt Madigan. I have been on and off the senior national team since 2005. 

Find out what's happening in Westlakewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Patch: What did you need to do to qualify for the 2011 Pan American?

Shumway: I went through a trials selection process very similar to that of the world championship trials selection. There are heats, reps, and a final. Whoever wins the final is selected for the Pan Am Team. I won that final and was selected to represent the U.S. this year in the women's single. 

Find out what's happening in Westlakewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Patch: What expectations have you set for yourself going into the Pan Am? 

Shumway: My goal is to execute my race plan and compete to the best of my abilities. 

Patch: What does your workout routine consist of?

Shumway: I row or workout two to three times daily. I row my single once in the morning, sometimes twice, and then lift, run, bike, or erg for my last workout. My diet is pretty typical, I would say. I just eat a lot more and more frequently than the average person. 

Patch: Who has coached you, and, as a senior national team member, what experience/knowledge have you passed on to your younger teammates to make them better athletes? 

Shumway: My coaches are Matt Madigan and Reilly Dampeer. The head coach of the women's national team is Tom Terhaar. As a senior member of the team, I try to have a calm and positive presence for the younger athletes. It can be very stressful to compete at this level and I find that the team often provides a great solace for that with laughter and joking around. 

Patch: Which rowers will be the hardest to beat in the women's single sculls category? 

Shumway: At this level of competition, everyone is to be respected. You can never count anyone out and I am expecting a great race from everyone entered. 

Patch: What would you like to say to the people in Westlake who will be cheering you on? 

Shumway: Thank you. 

Read more about Shumway:

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Westlake