Womens Lightweight

Question
Hi, I'm 5'2 and 123 pounds. I really want to row in a college lightweight program. I made it to Youth Nationals in my lightweight 2x and have been rowing for many years. My current 2k erg score is not very good at all, 8:30. My coach told me I can break 8:00 over the following year with reasonable training. However, I'm still really worried that because of my height and erg times I won't be able to row in college for a good program with lightweight like Bucknell. Should I consider loosing a couple pounds for coxing, even though I would much rather be able to row? I am ready to work to be able to row, but I feel like my size limits me considerably. What is a good 2k erg time for someone interested in rowing lightweight in college?

Answer
Hi Annie: Not knowing your age (I'm assuming you are between 15-17), your erg time is not as bad as you think.  For 15-17 year old lightweights, your time is right at the median (i.e., your time is in the 50th percentile).  Considering you are 12 pounds below the lightweight limit, pound-for-pound, you are better than average.  And considering your extensive on-water experience, you are overall a much better than average rower.

Although you are a bit below the average in height, there are several women your height who are rowing in the bow seat of fast and competitve lightweight crews.  Don't even consider being a coxswain -- your experience will make you desired by many college crews as a rower.

Just follow your coach's training program and I'm sure you will get your 2K time down. A time of 8:00 would put you in the Top-25%, which will get you a scholarship and most schools.  However, I'd aim for a more reasonable goal of 8:15.  You might also want to consider adding 5 pounds of muscle to your frame through a weight lifting routine and smart nutrition.

Good Luck/AP