Rising Star – June 2012

A fast five minutes with Grace Luczak

Already at the age of 23 Grace Luczak’s results are remarkable. The 191cm tall American is not only the owner of four under-23 medals – two of them gold – but she also holds the under-23 World Best Time in the women’s pair. Luczak’s time (7:05.13) was set last year with partner Felice Mueller at the World Rowing Under 23 Championships in Amsterdam. Luczak is currently training for the United States senior national team and recently took part in the national selection trials in the pair.

I row because… it’s the combined effort of all: the teammates, the speed and the feel of the water.

My non-rowing friends think my rowing career is … Non-rowing friends? Just kidding, they’re all really supportive.

I’m looking forward to watching at the Olympic Games… Team USA! Rowing, beach volleyball, diving, canoe/kayak, badminton, well, all of them actually!

My toughest race ever… My first race in a single, where they cancelled the regatta right after my event due the oceanic waves and chop. My goal became crossing the finish line still in my boat, which thankfully happened.

I’m motivated by…. my loving family and friends who support me so much.

When I get the chance to relax I like to… explore the outdoors, especially the US National Parks.

A typical day…. 6am rise and shine… 7-9:30am practice…. breakfast #2… giving a tour of the Devon Boathouse in Oklahoma City to school children or corporate groups… lunch… nap… practice and weights… make dinner and wind down.

The most famous people of my Facebook friends are… Kermit the Frog and the Winklevoss twins.

2k or 5k on the ergo? I get a choice?

In five years’ time I would like to be… an Olympic Champion and going to business school.

My favourite food is…. enjoyed with friends and family.

My favourite website is… Wikipedia.

Who would you most like to row in a crew with? The NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder players. Our success would be a slam dunk.