good erg times

Question
I have a 14 year old daughter who very much loves to row (she has rowed on season only) but she is short: 5'2". She tells me her 1500 meter takes 6:23 minutes and I know that the split time of her 4k is 2:15.  Are these times good?  And is it possible for a person of her height to row in college?

Answer
Hi Kelly: I don't know your daughter's weight or 2K score, which would give me better information to answer your question.  But based on her 500 meter splits in the 1500, she is above average for women her age -- in the Top-40%.

There are many factors that determine success in rowing.  While most top-level crews are typically filled out with taller people, many women your daughter's height can row in competitive boats, based on good conditioning and sound on-water technique. So the answer to your second question is Yes.

Regards/AP