Q & A With Pan American Rower Margot Shumway

On Friday, Westlake's Margot Shumway took a break from her pre-game training and fielded questions from Patch by email about her rowing background, the Pan American Games and what she hopes to achieve. 

Patch: Tell us a little about your career as a rower. 

Shumway: I started rowing at The Ohio State University during my fourth year, then rowed my fifth year. After college, I began sculling with Igor Grinko in Augusta, GA. From there, I moved to Washington, DC to train with Matt Madigan. I have been on and off the senior national team since 2005. 

Patch: What did you need to do to qualify for the 2011 Pan American?

Shumway: I went through a trials selection process very similar to that of the world championship trials selection. There are heats, reps, and a final. Whoever wins the final is selected for the Pan Am Team. I won that final and was selected to represent the U.S. this year in the women's single. 

Patch: What expectations have you set for yourself going into the Pan Am? 

Shumway: My goal is to execute my race plan and compete to the best of my abilities. 

Patch: What does your workout routine consist of?

Shumway: I row or workout two to three times daily. I row my single once in the morning, sometimes twice, and then lift, run, bike, or erg for my last workout. My diet is pretty typical, I would say. I just eat a lot more and more frequently than the average person. 

Patch: Who has coached you, and, as a senior national team member, what experience/knowledge have you passed on to your younger teammates to make them better athletes? 

Shumway: My coaches are Matt Madigan and Reilly Dampeer. The head coach of the women's national team is Tom Terhaar. As a senior member of the team, I try to have a calm and positive presence for the younger athletes. It can be very stressful to compete at this level and I find that the team often provides a great solace for that with laughter and joking around. 

Patch: Which rowers will be the hardest to beat in the women's single sculls category? 

Shumway: At this level of competition, everyone is to be respected. You can never count anyone out and I am expecting a great race from everyone entered. 

Patch: What would you like to say to the people in Westlake who will be cheering you on? 

Shumway: Thank you. 

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