University of Minnesota Athletics
Get to Know the Rowers: Becky Brzozowski
4/6/2010 12:00:00 AM | Rowing
Get to know some of the Gopher rowers periodically throughout the spring season. This week: Becky Brzozowski, a member of the Gophers' First Varsity Eight.
The most challenging thing I've had to do in college so far is:
I think the great thing about college is that when you start, you're fresh out of high school and really still just a kid. But when you graduate, you're an official adult. So, college really is about learning who you are and what you like and what you want to do with the rest of you life. It's a lot of tough decisions to have to make, but it's also so much fun to meet new people and do new things.
My most memorable sports experience was:
The summer after I graduated from high school, I had the opportunity to compete in the junior women's single at the Canadian Henley. I had only been sculling for about a year, so I really had no idea what to expect. Every day, I surprised myself more by making it out of the heats, then the semi-finals. Going into the final, I was so nervous, but really excited. I had a great race and ended up coming in second place! It was a wonderful experience to be able to race there and was one of the
things that got me to love rowing as much as I do now.
What is your favorite part of a 2k race and why?
I really enjoy the last 500 meters of the race. It's the part of the race where you have to decide just how bad you want to win and just how much you are willing to give. It can also be absolutely exhilarating if you’re really close to another crew and you're fighting back and forth to try to get as many seats on them as you can before you hit the finish line.
If you were to compete in a different sport at the U, what would it be and why?
I was a swimmer for about seven years when I was younger. So, if I couldn't row, I probably would have kept doing that.
Hardest rowing workout that you've done both on the water and on land?
On the water, seat racing is always really hard. It requires you to be completely focused and to pull like your life depends on it (which it sometimes does). On land, any sort of short and fast workout is more difficult for me. I'm more of a long distance person, so sprinting is never that much fun.
What has been your funniest road trip memory so far?
When we were driving to a race in CA last spring, we got stuck in some traffic. It could have been an awful and long drive, but instead, it was the most fun I've ever had! I really got to know some of the other girls and we had a great time playing games and being goofy.
What is a goal that you'd like to accomplish during your lifetime?
Well, aside from the usual getting a job and having a family, I really would love to hike the Appalachian Trail at some point. It's about 2200 miles long and goes all along the east coast. The only thing is, I would need about 5 months off to do it. But, maybe someday...
If you could have an endless supply of any food, what would you get?
Well, I really like to bake, so I would make sure I had the necessary ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs and such. I feel like the possibilities are endless if you just have a kitchen with a bunch of the essentials. Oh, and ice cream, peanut butter and chocolate are definitely a must.
Who has been the most inspiring person in your life and why?
I don't feel like I have one particular person I admire, but I really do respect people that have to overcome huge obstacles to get to their goals. I would hope that I could be that determined someday to keep pressing onward even when things don't go exactly how I want them to go.
If you were stranded on a desert island and you could bring 3 things, what would they be?
Well, if I was going to be literally stranded, I would bring a boat so I could get off, some water and probably a cell phone or some sort of radio so I could call for help. If I was just going to be there for a little bit on a vacation, I would bring a good book, some sunscreen and my best friend so we could hang out and relax.
Favorite psych-up or workout music?
I absolutely love the theme song from Chariots of Fire. It's a wonderful movie and the song always gets me excited and ready to go do something great.
