MVP WINNER
Lisa Ludwig, Canadian Lightweight Rower

I am a rower. My racing experiences and daily training are always teaching me new things. I enjoy the incessant study of rowing technique and mastery of being mentally ready and physically rested for each day. Most importantly, I love learning about myself. I've grown so much as a person by being able to push my limits, to perform beyond expectations and to remain positive in adverse situations. It has been especially rewarding to be able to produce great results that coincide with the amazing things that I'm learning. I have fallen in love with my sport and the process of excelling and applying myself

Through my five competitive racing seasons, my addiction to rowing has brought me some amazing experiences. I have had opportunities to race for the BC provincial team and for local clubs throughout North America. More recently, I finished fifth at the 2001 National team trials. I then went on to race undefeated in a double scull for Canada in the 2001 US National Championships and the Royal Canadian Henley Regattas. I am now rowing on Elk Lake, in Victoria, BC at Rowing Canada's National Training Centre and training towards the 2002 National Team Trials in June.

Performances at races are reflective of months and months of gruelling training regimes. In rowing, my training usually consists of three workouts a day. It is important to find balance between workouts, recovery and mental preparation while trying to accomplish day to day activities. At times, I am made aware that my life isn't so balanced by the onset of injuries or illnesses. These times are important to work through in order to strengthen possible weak areas, to establish perspective and to practice staying positive and mentally strong. Sport is so much more than being a "jock"; there are so many life lessons that sport teaches that are pertinent to being happy in life.

I can honestly testify that if you put your mind and heart into something, there are many returns. Being an active participant in my community is a value that I have invested energy into and from which I have benefited greatly. I have had many opportunities to share my racing and training experiences with some developing female collegiate athletes, runners and rowers with the satisfaction that I'm helping someone out. I've also discovered a great avenue to be involved with women, community and sport by co-leading a Women's Zone "Learn-To-Run" clinic in Victoria, BC. Several individuals have commented that I have inspired them to move beyond their foreseen limitations. Through my encouragement, some women have seen that determination and positive attitudes will help them gain success in meeting goals and confronting expectations. They are active, fit and most importantly, they feel great about themselves. I find it exciting to see them make gains. Like me, they too are seeing the returns of their efforts!

Right now, I am embarking on a very exciting time in my rowing career. I wish to compete at the 2002 World Championship Regatta in Seville, Spain. In order to reach my goal, I must continue to train hard and qualify at National Team trials and subsequent seat racing. The CAAWS-Nike grant will help me in the next step of reaching my goal by helping me out with personal expenses over the next couple of months. National Team Trials are just around the corner so the grant will help me spend less time working and more time staying focused on getting faster during this crunch time. I'm excited and grateful that both CAAWS and Nike consider me worthy of this grant. Thank you!

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