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08/07/2012 12:00 AMGuilford High School alum Sarah Trowbridge and doubles rowing partner Margot Shumway finished in sixth place in Women's Doubles Sculls competiton at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London on Aug. 3. The duo finished with a time of 7:10.54, less than a second behind the fifth-place boat from New Zealand. The gold medal was won by Great Britain's Anna Watkins and Katherine Grainger, who posted a mark of 6:55.82.
"I think it was a very good week of racing for us. I am bummed that we couldn't push through to a higher place at the end, but it was a huge accomplishment for us to make that very tough 'A' final and to keep it so tight between third and sixth," said Trowbridge. "Also, I felt like we really left every ounce of strength out there and that makes the moment very sweet because there are no regrets."
Trowbridge and Shumway earned their berth in the Olympics with a gold medal in the Olympic Qualifying regatta in Lucerne, Switzerland. The USA team finished in third place in its initial heat on July 30, forcing itself to race again in the repechage on July 31. In the repechage, Trowbridge and Shumway finished in second place with a time of 7:10.37, earning the last spot in the medal race. In all, 10 countries competed for a medal in Women's Doubles Sculls with the Americans finishing sixth as a team.
"I think this regatta went well for us so I don't think I would change anything here," Trowbridge said. "Our year as a whole was very short and a little rocky since we weren't even training in the same city as of January, but we really gained momentum as the year progressed so I think some of the earlier setbacks made us work all that much harder."
All in all, competing at the Olympics was quite an experience for the duo, one that Trowbridge was lucky enough to share with her family. Trowbridge's parents, John and Lynn, were in attendance at all of USA's races, becoming the team's loudest cheering section.
"Having my family there meant the world to me," said Trowbridge. "It was very special to know that of the thousands of voices screaming in the last 500, my parents were yelling the loudest. It was beyond amazing to hear from all my family back home who were watching it and how excited they were for me; they have definitely made my Olympic experience what it was. Without their belief and support, I wouldn't be here."
While Trowbridge hoped for a higher finish, it didn't dampen her excitement of the Olympic atmosphere.
"Choosing my favorite is tough," she said. "There are the crazy Great Britain fans who put on a good show, there is the sheer number of famous athletes getting lunch together every day, and there is having your family all together sharing in your triumphs. I'd have to say, though, my favorite part is probably racing down the course against the best in the world and knowing you are one of them."