This year’s World Rowing Championship is being held in Sarasota, Florida. As an opening to the racing of the most elite rowers from all over the world, the championship invites America’s own elite youth rowers from all over the country to race. When one of our own Vikings, Maria Polanco, applied, she had little expectation in being chosen; in fact, she forgot that she applied in the first place. To her wonderful surprise, she was chosen out of over 900 applicants.

As one of the 48 rowers chosen to represent our region, Maria had the opportunity to race at the championship in Florida. When asked what she expected once she got there, Maria replied, “It was intimidating at first. I didn’t really know what to expect, I just expected pain and there was. But I also got so much more than what I could ever have imagined.”

In the end, her eight-boat placed second in their final race and Maria got to bring home a medal. Surely, this amazing opportunity and experience will lead to much more in her future. Congratulations Maria!