The GRP rowing squad is set to compete at the 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, Florida from February 22-26. Five boat classes, a total of 119 athletes and 91 boats, are going to be competing. The Women’s single is the only event competing for a ticket straight to the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. While the four winners of the other events-- men’s single, men’s double, women’s, and men’s lightweight double--will have to go on to the Final Olympic qualification Regatta in May to earn a spot on the Olympic team. 

This is the first Olympic qualification event of the 2021 Olympic year for any sport. Comprehensive COVID-19 precautions are in place to make the event as safe as possible. These measures include testing for all athletes and coaches 72 hours before competition begins and the exclusion of all spectators at Nathan Benderson Park during racing next week. You can read the whole USRowing COVID-19 plan here.

The GRP has eight boats competing next week, and three GRP alums:

• Men’s 1x: Lucas Bellows, Will Legenzowski, John Graves (alum), and Kevin Meador (alum)

• Women’s 1x: Erin Boxberger, Emily Delleman, Jen Forbes, and Elizabeth Sonshine (alum)

• Women’s Lightweight 2x: Grace Joyce/ Christine Cavallo

• Men’s 2x: Mark Couwenhoven/ Jacob Plihal, and Andy Raitto/ Webster Thompson
  

Racing kicks off on Monday with time trials, heats on Tuesday, repechages on Wednesday, and semi finals on Thursday. All beginning at 8am ET. Racing will wrap up with finals on Friday February 26th at 8:30am ET.

Thursday semifinals and Friday finals will be streamed live on NBCSports.com and NBC Sports App. 

You can see the full tentative race schedule and follow live race results here.

For updates on the GRP’s progress throughout the regatta follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and check back on the website for summaries of each race day.