ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – With millions of people watching the Olympics in Rio, the UCF rowing team enjoys a more personal connection to the games.
As part of their preparation for the Rio Olympics, the National Team for Rowing Canada trained on the Knights' home course on Lake Pickett. Canada also made their national team selections for the Olympics during a couple of weeks in February.
For seven Canadians on the Knights roster, it was an unbelievable experience that they will cherish.
"Being able to see the Canadian National Team rowing alongside us on our course was amazing and an honor, but more than anything, it was inspiring," said senior Lauren Aiello. "These women are so dedicated, work incredibly hard and have sacrificed a lot to be a part of the national team. I definitely look up to them, because they inspire not only me, but also my teammates to go faster."
Aiello also raced against many of the national team members in the fall, competing in a pair boat with UCF teammate Zana Krakic at the 2015 National Rowing Championships in Canada.
A trio of Knights, senior Rachel Klunder, sophomore Aly Derksen and Aiello, had the opportunity to go back to their home country and compete in the 134th edition of the Canadian Henley in early August.
"This was my first year racing in the senior category and Lauren and I did an amazing job," Klunder said. "It was not planned for us to race together, but like my coach always says, 'Always be ready for the unexpected.' We found out that we were rowing together five days before Henley and only had a few training sessions before the event."
The duo posted a sixth-place finish in the Senior Women's Pair Final as a part of the South Niagara Rowing Club. They qualified for the event finals after crossing the line second during their heat.
In the Women's Championship Eight Final, Aiello teamed up with a group from all over Canada and went up against a Rowing Canada squad, which combined their U23- and senior-four boats.
"We were excited to race them and gave everything we had to stick with them," said Aiello. "They came out on top, but we finished off of them by only five seconds and were extremely happy with our performance."
Derksen also competed in the event and raced in heats of the U23 Women's Straight Four, while Klunder additionally raced the senior women's single, straight four and double.
These Knights finished up the Canadian Henley on Aug. 5, just in time to tune into the opening ceremony at the Rio Olympics.
"Watching the Olympics this week has been awesome!" Klunder added. "I am excited to tell family and friends that these women competing for my home country trained where I train at UCF.
"These are exciting times in Canada, as our women's eight is getting ready for the final. My family and friends are having a big watch party Saturday morning to cheer them on!"