progress

Yesterday it became official that I am in the 4-. This, naturally, feels good, although not necessarily that satisfying. I have one more week in Princeton, and then I head to Chula Vista for about four weeks. We've been training our asses off, and the next few weeks will only get harder. I am feeling very motivated; making the boat means little if we don't get a result. In the US, there tends to be a fear of complacency; that once guys know they are in a boat, they will lose focus and drive. I don't feel this at all, and if anything, I feel more pressure than ever. Instead of the pressure and drive coming only from myself, and my desire to justify my training, it now comes from outside; now the dreams of myself, my coaches, my boatmates, and US rowing rest on my shoulders. This feels good. I think we will go fast.