Lack of confidence in our ability causes us to try and rectify small technical faults. This part nobody knows about, nobody talks, we just try to be perfect, try to find the harmony in the boat which will carry us over the line first. We withdraw into ourselves, each alone with his thoughts, but gaining comfort from the crew. Eventually we move onto the start. The butterflies in our stomachs are making us feel sick.
Nobody wants to row anymore.
Even when you're the best, you're still nervous, in case something goes wrong. Trust your crew. We begin to take up the slack on the blade, make the boat want to move. The muscles tense, the adrenaline rush like none other begins. Draw, long and solid.