Varese World Cup

What is a World Cup?

World Cups are regattas that serve as a lead-up to the World Championships. Before 2025, there were 3 each year, but from now on, there will only be 2. Kind of like a regatta that has team trophies, World Cups assign points to the countries based on their finishing. According to World Rowing, a 1st place finish = 8 points, 2nd = 6 points, 3rd = 5 points, 4th = 4 points, 5th = 3 points, 6th = 2 points, and 7th = 1 point. The nation with the highest points at the end of the World Cup becomes the overall World Cup winning nation [1].

Who did I race with?

I coxed the Mixed PR3 4+ in a heat and final in back-to-back racing days. My teammates were a blend of athletes who have raced at the Paralympics (Ben Washburne, 2024), athletes who have been to Paralympic and/or Para National Team Selection, teammates who have been Spares for the Para National team, and teammates who have come to Winter Camp.

How did it go?

We won silver, competing against Brazil (gold), Italy (bronze), Uzbekistan (4th), and Spain (5th). A shoutout and gratitude to the field for great racing, and congratulations to Brazil.

I'm very proud of the steps we took forward during our two weeks in Italy. Our final word was "Onwards." We move towards World Championship Selection which begins in 1 week.

Behind the scenes?

Croissant Station

A croissant station powered many athletes. Several countries' teams stayed in the same hotel, and we all had access to the morning croissants. Amongst jams, there were two large chocolate pumps: one for Nutella, one for chocolate sauce. Place the small metal hose into your croissant and fill it with chocolate.

Something that not everyone may know, is that we often load our trailers and leave the racing venue very similarly to collegiate teams. We collect our slings, riggers, tent, and carefully place everything back on the trailer. With the immense help of Filippi, our boats are re-arranged like a perfect puzzle.

For the Para National Team in particular, I want to tell you about two important names to this World Cup. Geoff Keller was with us every day. His PT expertise is truly mastermind, and he does everything from working with the team in PT to helping us load the trailer in record time. For me in particular, he can tell which arm I steer with given the tension in my shoulders. Wendy Wilbur is the Associate Director of National Team Operations at USRowing. Her positivity is unmatched, as well as her empathy for athletes in every scenario (she was a National Team rower and collegiate coach). Wendy often travels with us, and she makes it all happen. From logistics for all the National Teams to hunting down the best practice snacks, she always makes the Team USA feel race-ready.

[1]: https://worldrowing.com/events/rowing-and-para-rowing/world-cups/

Thank you to USRowing and World Rowing for all photos!