Inspired in San Diego and Celebrating Women in Sports
A brief reflection on the heels of my first master’s rowing race
San Diego!
I learned that I am definitely an East Coast girl.
I still had a great time competing in the San Diego Crew Classic in April.
Highlight
It was my first time in California, and my first time competing in the Crew Classic.
It turned out to be a mini-reunion village as I got to catch up with former teammates and friends — some of whom I hadn’t seen in more than 10 years.
One friend I met at a U.S. National Team camp in 2013. Two former teammates I caught up with were from my early days training on Philadelphia’s Schuylkill River and the historic Boathouse Row.
Reflection
I’ve been training with a competitive master’s swim team all winter, the likes of which include several national record-holders multiple times over.
In other words, fierce, badass, passionate female competitors. As I’ve gotten to know these women — many 20-plus years my senior — and now dipped a toe into master’s rowing, I’ve come to more finely recognize the opportunities I’ve been afforded in sports.
I do not know a life that doesn’t include being part of a team.
I certainly do not know a life that includes not being allowed to compete in athletics or be part of a team.
Ironically, the weekend that I lined up at the Crew Classic was the same weekend I was recognized by my alma mater, Lehigh University, in celebration of 50 Years of Women’s Sports at the school.
All things considered, there’s a temptation to say: “Wow! Look at how far we have come!”
In the context of the current sports culture, there’s also more than enough reason to draw attention to all the work that still needs to be done.
What work?
Take a look at Lauren Fleshman’s recent Instagram post contrasting Team USA’s men’s and women’s track and field kits for the 2024 Paris Olympics as just one of countless examples of areas we need to do better.
So, San Diego…
The progress and the work that is yet to be done.
For me right now, both topics feel like low-hanging fruit (not to mention, topics way too big to explore in a brief reflection).
Instead, what’s coming up above everything else is a desire to acknowledge the trailblazers and recognize all the women who now in their 50s, 60s anYep, d 70s are seizing opportunities to…
Explore the joy found in moving their bodies…
In being part of an athletic community or team…
In the focus and motivation gained and sustained through exercise and training…
And perhaps in the nerves of race day — when sitting at a start line or standing on a starting block — in conjunction with a desire to win or tap into the drive to compete.
Cheers to the strength, wisdom, and perspective of this community of athletes.
Cheers to training and racing in celebration and as an expression of what we can do.
I am grateful for the motivation and inspiration you’ve all imparted to me as we’ve worked side-by-side.
I look forward to the training and start lines to come!
A Final Note
In the wake of compiling my initial reflection, I realized that I was missing an important piece.
On the pool deck a few weeks ago, one of the women I swim with was telling me that she didn’t have access or opportunities to compete growing up. She loved being able to watch her daughters embrace athletics in their high school and collegiate years.
The conversation is what ultimately prompted the wheels in my head.
While I may not need to share the anecdote for more context, it continues to strike me as a source of awe and impetus for appreciation of what I’ve been afforded to do.
Thank you for reading, my friends!
I would love to hear your own stories of inspiration, influence, and awe. There’s strength in solidarity and celebration.
Who do you admire or appreciate?
Who has paved the way for, inspired, or influenced you?
Author’s note: A version of this story first appeared on carastawicki.com.
