1. How have you prepared differently for this quadrennial than previous cycles?
I hadn't been training for elite competition or 2K racing when I unexpectedly ended up going to the Americas Rowing Olympic trials and qualifying for the 2016 Olympics. This cycle has been different. I was so awed and inspired by the elite athletes I met back in 2016 and my eyes were opened to how incredibly hard they worked. And I wondered whether I had it in me to be anywhere near as tough and brave as they were. So, my training this quadrennial has been higher volume, more structured, and more intense with much more coaching as I've tried to emulate the seriousness and focus of some of the athletes I admire.
2. Did anything completely unexpected happen, or do you have any memorable or unusual stories from your previous Olympiad?
Everything was new and I was so inexperienced for the 2016 Olympics - there were so many firsts! I'm not sure I had ever raced with starting lights or a boot. And I didn't know the first thing about rigging. When my boat arrived to the venue damaged, I hadn't the slightest clue what to do. And I didn't have a coach with me. But people were so kind - I remember Gregg Stone and Howard Croker and coaches from other contingents hovering around my boat trying to help me out with shims to get my rigging straight enough to row. The rowing community is pretty amazing.
3. Any/Most important advice for first time Olympians?
I'm not sure! Maybe have a designated family member or close friend on speed-dial in case of an unexpected mental breakdown? In Rio, I remember dealing with the unique stresses of the Olympics (the expectations, the interviews) fairly well but I do remember one moment from Rio 2016 - a snafu with ticketing that meant my family might not make it to my races - that almost had me in tears since I was already such on edge. I guess my advice would be to take lots of deep breaths and to try to enjoy it all - it is such a unique and tremendous experience that not many people get to have.
4. What was your state of mind like sitting in the starting block of your first Olympic race?
Back in 2016, I had no goals other than trying to do my best - I wasn't a medal contender and there were no expectations (other than from overly optimistic media back home in Trinidad & Tobago). So, that helped me view my Olympic heat like any other race. I was actually less anxious sitting at the starting block than I had been during the lead-up interviews and while sitting around my dorm room in the Village.
5. What's different this time around/what will you do differently at this Olympics?
This time around I have personal performance goals. So, I am hoping to have some good races.
6. Do you feel older/better/wiser/stronger/other?
I definitely feel older! I have upped my training load several fold from five years ago and I can feel that strain - I understand how elite training/competition definitely has a shelf-life! But, I am also faster and stronger. I would like to say that I was also wiser but I am not sure my coaches would agree.
7. Does the phrase "the Olympics" ring differently the next time around?
It does for me. My first Olympic experience was a gift. This time around I am thrilled to be headed back but, rather than being the absolute prize, this past quadrennial the Olympics has been one of the carrots on a fantastical journey trying to become a better athlete.
8. As far as regattas go, comparing the olympics to different races (worlds, lucerne), is it a better or different regatta, or just higher stakes?
The Olympics are just on a different level from any other regatta. I didn't really realize that until I qualified for the 2016 Olympics. There is just a level of excitement that the Olympics summons that makes it unlike anything else.
Hometown: Maraval, Trinidad and Tobago
Birthplace: Diego Martin, Trinidad and Tobago
Current Residence: San Mateo, California, USA
Club Affiliation: Bair Island Aquatic Center (BIAC)
Began Rowing: 1995
Date of Birth: June 1977
Height: 5 feet 9 inches
Weight: 160 lbs
High School: St Joseph's Convent
Undergraduate Education: University of Miami - B.S. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Microbiology & Immunology
Graduate Education: Duke University - Ph.D. Pharmacology and Cancer Biology
Training Location: Redwood City, CA, USA
Current Coach: Sarah Trowbridge, Monica Hilcu
National Teams: 2016-2021 Trinidad & Tobago
International Results: Americas Olympic Rowing Qualification Regatta, Open Women's Single, 2000m - Bronze (2021), Pan American Games, Women's Single, 2000m - Silver (2019), Central American and Caribbean Games, Women's Single, 2000m - Silver (2018), World Rowing Championships, Open Women's Single, 2000m - 17th (2018), US National Spring Speed Order (Formerly US National Team Selection Regatta I) - 6th (2017), World Rowing Championships, Open Women's Single, 2000m - 17th (2017), Olympics, Open Women's Single, 2000m - 22nd (2016), Americas Olympic Rowing Qualification Regatta, Open Women's Single, 2000m - 5th (2016), Royal Canadian Henley, Open Women's Single, 500m - Gold (2015), Royal Canadian Henley, Championship Women's Single, 2000m - Bronze (2015), Royal Canadian Henley, Open Women's Single, 500m - Gold (2014)
National Results: Head of the Charles, Masters Women's Single, 5000m - Gold (2015), US Club Nationals, Open Women's Single, 500m - Gold (2015), US Club Nationals, Intermediate Women's Single, 2000m - Gold (2015), US Club Nationals, Senior Women's Single, 2000m - Silver (2015), US Elite Nationals, Open Women's Single, 2000m - 7th (2015), USRowing SW Masters Championships, Masters AA-B, Women's Single, 1000m - Gold (2015), Head of the Charles, Open Club Women's Single, 5000m - Gold (2014), US Masters Nationals, Masters AA, Women's Single, 1000m - Gold (2014), US Masters Nationals, Masters A, Women's Single, 1000m - Gold (2014), US Masters Nationals, Masters B, Women's Single, 1000m - Gold (2014), US Masters Nationals, Masters B, Women's Double 1000m - Gold (2014), US Masters Nationals, Masters B, Women's Quad, 1000m - Gold (2014), USRowing SW Masters Championships, Masters AA-C, Women's Single, 1000m - Gold (2014), USRowing NW Masters Championships, Masters AA-A, Women's Single, 1000m - Gold (2014), USRowing NW Masters Championships, Masters B, Women's Single, 1000m - Gold (2014), Head of the Charles, Masters Women's Single, 5000m - Silver (2013), CRASH-B World Rowing Indoor Championships, Masters Women's, 2000m - Gold (2013), Gold Rush Regatta, Masters A, Women's Single, 1000m - Gold (2013), USRowing SW Masters Championships, Masters AA-C, Women's Single, 1000m - Gold (2013), USRowing NW Masters Championships, Masters A, Women's Single, 1000m - Gold (2013), USRowing NW Masters Championships, Masters B, Women's Single, 1000m - Gold (2013), USRowing Masters National Championships, Masters A, Women's Single, 1000m - Silver (2013), USRowing Masters National Championships, Masters B, Women's Single, 1000m - Silver (2013)
Personal: Married, Associate Director of Cell Biology - working in early research and drug development at biotech company