March 1, 2011

Junior Amanda Urquhart on Competition

Athletes have a certain competitiveness that is so strong it carries into everyday life. I often find myself competing with my teammates on and off the water. Not only is it about who can get the best erg score and have the best technique, but it can also be about who can get ready the fastest or who can manage to be the first in line.

Most of my competitiveness derives from sibling rivalry. From a young age, I was always competing with my younger sister for my parents' attention. Every little thing would turn into an argument between us. All siblings fight, some more than others. It wasn't until we both started rowing that we realized we didn't need to fight with each other--we could prove who was right out on the water.

It has surprised me, but there is no doubt that rowing has brought my sister and I closer together. Next year, we will be the fifth set of sisters to row for The University of Tulsa. The best part is that we are both starboards. So, while we are pretty much guaranteed we won't be stuck in a pair together, there is a 100% chance we will be seat racing each other. I can't wait. This is going to be fun!