Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/697572
30 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | JULY / AUGUST 2016 When the Olympic torch reaches Maracanã Stadium this August, WAC members Hans Struzyna and Ursula Grobler, both rowers, will be there. Hans is one of four University of Washington alumni on the U.S. men's eight crew, and Ursula will compete in the lightweight double sculls for South Africa. Two for Rio How does it feel to make the Olympic team? Truly incredible. I have no words to accurately describe it. It hasn't totally sunk in. It is a great honor, and I look forward to being part of Team USA. What are you most looking forward to about the Games? Two of my teammates who have been before told me the gear package is really sweet! Seriously though, I am most excited to have reached the pinnacle of my sport and have an experience that few strive for and even fewer achieve. ¨ NBC and affiliates will televise the 2016 Summer Games. For broadcast schedules, visit nbcolympics.com. Hans Struzyna; Ursula Grobler (right) and teammate Kirsten McCann We caught up with Hans the day after the U.S. men's eight qualified for Rio. He told us about making the Olympics and how his rowing dream has grown during the past 11 years. What advice would you give to children who look up to you? Making the Olympics wasn't always my dream. In fact, when I first started rowing, I didn't even think I would make the spring season. I truly hated the rowing machine. I knew I was good at the sport but didn't really fall in love with it until a regional junior race in 2005. We were in a very tight race with another boat and we barely edged out the win. That's when I got the joy. That's when I decided I wanted to pursue rowing further. Even then, my only goal was to make the varsity team. Once I realized that goal, I decided I wanted to go on and row for UW. Once I hit that, I wanted to make the USA under-23 team. The progression just continued. That is a long-winded way of saying it's important to have big goals and aspirations, but don't forget the step you're on. Maximize who you are today and try to get a little bit better tomorrow. More coverage ¨ Watch Hans' team qualify in Lucerne, Switzerland: wac.net/rowing-qualifier ¨ Watch Ursula discuss her achievement, Olympic dreams, and what it means to represent South Africa: vimeo.com/thewacseattle B A R B A R A R I E S ( 2 ) C O U R T E S Y U R S U L A G R O B L E R