Athlete of the Day: Olivia Babiec

Olivia Babiec is Junior, Hospitality Major from Alexandria, Virginia. She is currently on the Women's Crew team and had been rowing for 6 years. Olivia is a excellent rower with achievements like winning a gold medal and the Coleman D. Boylan trophy at the 2013 Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta. She also posted the fastest time at the Kelly Cup Regatta and the Kerr Cup Regatta. These achievements are impressive for someone that has only been rowing for 6 years. 

As some of you may know that Drexel just had their biggest crew competition of the year the Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta, Olivia is no stranger to this competition."This was my third Dad Vail regatta. We won my freshman year in the Womens Freshman 8 race, and my sophomore year in the 2nd Varsity 8 race. Winning 2 years in a row is not an easy thing to do."  This team is relentless, they never settle for anything but the best and they proved that when they won the Dad Vaik Regatta Olivia's freshman and Sophomore years. "Both years we did something that had never been done before. Freshman year we were the first womens boat to ever win a Dad Vail gold medal, and shortly after we won the 2V won their race. Last year we defended the 2V title, which is the first time any Drexel boat has had a back-to-back gold medal." This team is definitely going for a record with a win this year as well. 

Going into the race Drexel was ranked 5th for their event, Womens Varsity 8.  Their national ranking compared to the other boats that made it to the grand final was much lower, so they were able to perform and exceed expectations.  After some terrible weather, they finally raced 2 hours after they were supposed to and won silver by .2 seconds. "That was one of the most heartbreaking and proudest moments I've had on this team.  It was heartbreaking because we fought like hell and didnt win.  However, we performed to our absolute best and we gave it our best race, beating out teams that had beaten us earlier in the year, and teams that usually beat us in the race every year." This was also the first time in 4 years that the Varsity 8 has made it to grand finals. They made history once again for Drexel rowing. With their silver medal, they were also able to secure the team points trophy for a second year in a row and earned a bid to race in England at the Royal Henley Regatta. "Because of this, I am so incredibly proud of my teammates."

I want to thank Olivia for taking the time to speak with me!