World Rowing e-Magazine, August 2007

rowerS oF THe FUTUre

wr: what is the best part about an international regatta? JM: The opportunity to meet athletes from different countries. I enjoy finding out about their culture.

wr: what are you future goals? JM: With Coach Witkowski we plan to be sure that I qualify for the Olympics after the World Rowing Championships in Munich. With hard work I believe I can row in the A Final at my first Olympics.

wr: do you know the other single scullers? JM: I talk to them during competitions. We discuss current rowing topics, exchange our experiences and give each other support for the hard work we have to do before the next meeting.

wr: do you have anything special you like to do before a race? JM: Usually before the race I send a text message to Magdalena Fularczyk, my partner from our club’s double. Her replies give me extra motivation. I also like to listen to music right before launching to help me relax.

wr: what do you think are your strengths to achieve these goals? JM: The willingness to reach them, whatever it takes. A little bit of ego is also helpful in sport. My coach helps me the most in achieving my goals. The only thing I can think of that would make it difficult to achieve my goals is unexpected, long-term injury.

wr: Is it different rowing at the under 23 level and the senior level? JM: It’s a huge difference. At the under 23s I was usually ahead and as a senior I have to start everything from the beginning. At senior level you have to give your best from the very beginning right to the very end. You have to be elastic and change your tactic during the race. You have to be stronger mentally. Girls at the high level are almost like rocks, extremely hard to break. It is practically impossible to count on luck.

wr: Is there anything that you would like to see change in competitive rowing? JM: I don’t like jealousy between athletes. I want to see a clear, fair rowing fight on the water, the one that Pierre de Coubertin always promoted.