SYDNEY WIDELL
Junior at Shorewood High School
When/Why began rowing:
I did my learn to row the summer going into 8th grade, but it wasn't until winter of my sophomore year that I decided to commit to the team. I became interested in rowing after my dad found a vintage shell up north and rehabbed it. The seat was totally screwed up and the wheels were missing, but he found the parts online and every summer I'd spend hours rowing around the lakes.
Favorite workout:
Early morning steady state workouts are always my favorite.
Favorite aspect of rowing:
Morning practices! It's so thrilling to be out on the water in the dark before the city is awake.
Favorite rowing season & why:
Fall. I love seeing the season change from the river and the weather tends to be lovely.
Favorite race & why:
Definitely HOCR. It was so inspiring to row on such a fabled river beside some of the best crews in the world. It was also neat to see the way rowing culture took over the city for that weekend.
Interests/hobbies outside of practice:
When I'm not rowing, I love to run, bike, ski, climb, read and play the piano.
Favorite quote:
"Stay together, learn the flowers, go light" -Gary Snyder