Q & A With Sidney Thorsten

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The third-ranked Virginia rowing team hosts No. 9 Michigan and No. 10 Ohio State at Lake Monticello on Saturday. The Cavaliers will race Michigan at 9 a.m., followed by Ohio State at 1 p.m. Admission is free. Varsity Eight coxswain Sidney Thorsten recently checked in with VirginiaSports.com.

Question: What is your favorite part of practice?
Thorsten: My favorite part of practice is feeling that the boat has improved from the start of practice to the end of practice. I love the feeling of finishing a hard practice and knowing that it brought us closer together and closer to our ultimate goal for the end of the season.

Question: What is your favorite race course?
Thorsten: Oak Ridge, Tennessee. I raced there a dozen times in high school and a couple times in college and it’s just an awesome course. There’s lots of room to warm up, it’s well marked, close to home and the food in the restaurant at the start of the race is delicious too!

Question: What off-course accomplishment would you like to be known for?
Thorsten: I want to be known as someone who helps my boat go as fast as possible, no matter what situation I am in. I do not know if I am at that point every single day, but I’d like to think that I am getting closer to that goal every day.

Question: Who or what inspires you?
Thorsten: My mom. She has been there for me through absolutely everything and is my biggest fan. She encouraged me to stick with rowing at a time when I almost walked away, and has always done everything in her power to help me be the best that I can be. She has put her life aside to make sure I could attend the school I wanted to attend, and be a part of the different summer programs I have attended. I would not be where I am today if it was not for her. She always has the perfect words of encouragement for me.

Question: What is one thing you would change about your sport if you could?
Thorsten: I wish more people knew about it, and appreciated the level of work and dedication it requires.

Question: What is your favorite food?
Thorsten: Macaroni and cheese because it’s easy to make, cheap to buy, and it’s delicious when it’s hold and cold!

Question: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not competing?
Thorsten: I love to spend my time hanging out with my teammates. They are my best friends and I cannot imagine my college experience without these amazing people.