Vasileios Polymeros
(GRE, LM2x, stroke)
Mirka Knapkova
(CZE, W1x)
16
In Athens I was third with
another partner. Since 2006, we have made
this double with Dimitrios Mougios. In Eton we
were 9th, in Munich we were 2nd. We trained
very hard this year and hope to perform well in
Beijing. Because Dimitrios stopped rowing for
a couple of years (between 2001 and 2003) we
had to build a new boat from the start. I won’t
have any family in Beijing with me, except for
my wife who will be competing in the
lightweight women’s double.
I used to believe in things such as good
luck charms or special items when I
was young, but not anymore. Now
I just believe in myself, my strength
and my hard work. I have never been to
China before, so I am looking
forward to the culture, the people
there and this whole country
which is totally different from
our world.
© Simon Lorenz
Lai Bajrang
Takhar (IND, M1x)
Jakub Hanak (CZE, M4x, 3 seat)
This will be my second Olympics as I was in Athens.
© Birke Oud alakarte.de
I’m looking forward to the regatta course and the
Olympic Village accommodation, plus the food in the
Athlete’s Village – I have good memories of the food in
Athens. My family was in Athens but Beijing is too
far and difficult for travel.
This is my dream to
represent India at the
Olympic Games. It’s my first
Olympics and a great
opportunity for me. I don’t
have any good luck charms
– I only believe in my own
capacity. I will not have
family there, but there will be
some Indian students
studying in China coming
to watch us.
