This Round of Testing is Important

For some guys this round of testing could either make or break their Olympic campaign. As I have mentioned before, there are more guys in our program than just the Eight. We are also going to try and qualify a Four, Pair and maybe a Quad at the Olympic Qualification Regatta in Poland around June 20. This means that we could have up to 10 more seats for guys to fill, not including the Eight as it has already qualified. That may seem like a lot, but remember, those 10 seats have yet to qualify for the Olympics. The coaches haven't even decided for sure if we will be sending all 3 to the qualifier, if they don't prove to be fast here on our home turf then the number of seats could drop even more.

Currently we have the Eight and then a bunch of guys who are all around a similar level. This round of testing will give them an opportunity to prove to the coaches that they have made improvements since January and that they want to be part of the Olympic team.
This round of testing will the be the same as the last and everyone currently in Olympic Camp will participate. 6km Ergometer Test, 2x2km in the Pair, 2x2km in the Single
We add up all the times and presto, we have an overall ranking that the coaches can use to help determine boating orders for the fours & pairs. The higher up the ladder you are, the more likely you will get a pair partner of your speed and the more likely you will go fast to get into either the Four or Pair. If we ever have an injury in the Eight....this could also be your chance to shine as the possible replacement.
Our Olympic boat selection will begin in early April, so this round of testing is crucial. You can make it easier on yourself by finishing high up the ladder now so when crunch time comes, all the pieces are in place so that all your fellow rowers and coaches have faith in you that you can make boats go fast!